Power crisis looms as key Himachal project sees 90% decline in production due to winter drought

The Newz Radar

SHIMLA: In the midst of a severe drought, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with an unprecedented 85 per cent drop in electricity production, raising concerns about an impending power crisis. The prolonged absence of rain and snowfall has led to a significant reduction in water levels, causing a substantial decline in the output of power projects. Typically, the state witnesses a 40 per cent electricity production during the season, but the current figure stands at a mere 15 per cent.

The primary cause of this crisis is the drastic 90 per cent reduction in power generation at Nathpa Jhakri, the largest underground hydropower project in the country, situated on the Sutlej river. Only one out of the six turbines is operational and the river’s water flow has dwindled to 70 cumecs. This alarming situation mirrors conditions faced by the project approximately 17 years ago.

With a daily requirement of 360 to 370 lakh units of electricity in the state, the current production has plummeted from 2,500 lakh units to a critical 450 lakh units. To cope with the crisis, the state is drawing 200 lakh units daily from Punjab, in addition to purchasing 25 to 30 lakh units from the open market. If the weather pattern persists, the state may face an even deeper power crisis, impacting nine states in North India.

The project management has highlighted that the low water levels date back to August, worsening significantly since November. This concerning scenario extends to the nearby Rampur project, where the 412 MW hydropower production has also plummeted due to the water supply dependency on Nathpa Jhakri. Additionally, several small projects in the Rampur sub-division are experiencing diminished power generation due to the scarcity of water.

As the region stares at a potential power crisis in the coming days, residents and authorities alike anxiously await relief in the form of rain and snowfall to replenish the depleted water reservoirs, said an official of the Sutlej Nathpa Jhakri project.