Government eyes water diversion and balanced energy mix to meet rising power demand.

Centre Scouts New Hydropower Sites in J&K to Boost Renewable Capacity.

The Centre has begun identifying new sites in Jammu and Kashmir for hydropower projects as part of India’s broader push to strengthen electricity generation and ensure long-term energy security, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said in an interview with Times of India. Several hydropower plants in the region are already operational, while desilting work is underway to restore reservoir capacity. Construction has also resumed on three to four projects that were earlier stalled, with additional projects now in the planning stage. The Centre is simultaneously examining proposals to divert water from the region towards Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi through canals or tunnels, with multiple alignments under feasibility review. Khattar said India is rapidly expanding renewable capacity, with a growing focus on solar, hydropower and nuclear energy, while thermal power will continue to support grid stability. Under the Narendra Modi-led government, the demand-supply gap has narrowed sharply, though power distribution companies still face high accumulated losses despite recent profits.