The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced plans to revive the flood-damaged Sewa-III Hydroelectric Project through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The 9 MW run-of-river project, which has been non-operational for several years, is expected to have a revised restoration plan ready by April 2026.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the government informed the Assembly that the Sewa-III project was commissioned on June 25, 2002, after its inception in 1993. However, significant damage caused by torrential rains and subsequent floods in 2013 and 2024 led to its shutdown. Key structures were severely impacted, including a portion of the inspection road and water conductor, which was washed away, exposing and undermining the water conductor and forcing the power house to cease operations.
Following the damage, the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) engaged the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the renovation, modernisation, and restoration of the project. The DPR, submitted in 2022, estimated the total cost for the revival at Rs 66.43 crore.
The government’s strategic shift towards a PPP model for the project’s revival was influenced by a proposal from the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance. In a meeting held on April 7, 2025, it was suggested that the project be undertaken with private sector participation. Consequently, the DPR was sent back to IIT Roorkee in September 2025 for revision and updating to align with the PPP framework. The final revised report is anticipated by the end of April 2026.
In parallel with the DPR revision, the government has initiated the process to structure the PPP project. The Board of Directors, on February 9, 2025, approved the commencement of a limited tender enquiry to appoint a transaction advisor. This advisor will be tasked with preparing the necessary tender documents and recommending the most suitable execution model for the project. The selection of a private developer will mark a crucial next step in the efforts to restore this stalled hydropower asset.
Addressing concerns regarding project delays and public expenditure, the government denied any lapses in commissioning timelines. It clarified that the project’s non-operational status was due to unavoidable circumstances, primarily the damage to its structures caused by floods. The development of the project will proceed after a private developer is selected, signifying a renewed push to bring the Sewa-III hydroelectric facility back online.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
