Indian administration continues to plunder IIOJK resources

Srinagar: Indian administration in occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to plunder the resources of the territory as despite the severe power crisis, the electricity generated in the region is provided to the Indian state of Rajasthan and the agreement has been finalized.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL), a collaboration between NHPC Limited and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC), has finalized a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited.

This agreement pertains to the procurement of power generated from the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar, IIOJK.

The PPA spans 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the project, following the power allocation specified by the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

The signing of the PPA took place in Jaipur on January 3, 2024, in the presence of senior officials from RHPCL and Rajasthan Urja Vikas and IT Services Limited.

However, the recent power purchase agreement has sparked concerns among regional parties in occupied Jammu and Kashmir as the people of the territory have been facing the worst kind of electricity crisis.

Imran Nabi Dar, spokesperson for the National Conference called for clarification, expressing unease over the extended duration of the agreement, which typically lasts for a maximum of 20 years. He emphasized the need for transparency, urging the government to release a white paper detailing the agreement’s purpose and the anticipated benefits for Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti, President of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized the decision to supply electricity to Rajasthan from the Ratle Power Project. She argued that this move would deprive the people of the territory during a severe power crisis.