Power sector reforms to make JK self-reliant: NC

"Power sector has witnessed a remarkable improvement under the NC-Congress government. We aim to reduce dependency on central assistance for electricity and develop Jammu and Kashmir as a self-reliant state," NC spokesman and MLA Sajad Ahmed Kichloo told party members here.

The state government has not only undertaken various initiatives to improve the present infrastructure but also to harness hydro-electric power in the state, he said.

Kichloo said several power projects including Keru, Pacal Dul, Karthi and Rattle are in pipeline on river Chenab.

The coalition government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ensured that the state gets its share in the central power projects and NHPC was forced to pay the water usage charges its major power projects, like Salal, Dul Hasti, and Uri, he said.

"Hence, the revenue realised can be used on building more power projects in the state, which will not only cut down the electricity shortage but will go a long way in stabilising the state economy," he said.

The MLA claimed that efforts of the state government in the power sector are likely to open huge avenues of employment.