Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that hydropower projects under execution in Jammu and Kashmir are projects of national importance and warned that any interference in their construction would be viewed seriously, calling for action by law enforcing agencies against those obstructing the works.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Omar was responding to reports that the company executing the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district had threatened to withdraw from the project, alleging interference by a local BJP MLA.

“These are projects of national importance. There should be no political interference and it should be viewed very seriously,” Omar said.

Referring to the allegation against a BJP legislator, Omar said had such accusations been levelled against one of his ministers, the Anti Corruption Bureau would have already carried out raids. “So far, the name of only one MLA is being mentioned, but two opposition MLAs are interfering in all projects in Kishtwar district,” he alleged.

The chief minister also flagged issues related to administrative control, stating that several departments were yet to be transferred to the elected government. “I am the power minister but the Power Development Corporation is not with the elected government,” Omar said.

A senior official associated with the Ratle project has accused BJP MLA Shagun Parihar of interfering in the execution of works and warned that continued disruptions could force the company to pull out of the project. Attempts to contact Parihar for her response through phone calls and messages remained unsuccessful.

Joint Chief Operating Officer of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), Harpal Singh, said the firm had invested heavily in machinery, materials and manpower and would suffer substantial losses if it was compelled to withdraw, including penalties linked to bank guarantees submitted to NHPC.

Singh said the company maintained a neutral and secular stance and did not support or oppose any political party. “There is no place for such disruptions in a democratic country. The project should be kept free of politics and the company should be allowed to work without interference,” he said.

He warned that disruptions and illegitimate demands during the construction of the 133 metre high dam and underground powerhouse could compromise the safety and quality of the project.

NHPC Limited has formed Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited, a joint venture with the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited, for the implementation of the run of the river project on the Chenab river at Drabshalla village in Kishtwar. The joint venture was incorporated on June 1, 2021, with NHPC holding 51 per cent equity and JKSPDC 49 per cent. Construction work is being executed by MEIL.

Singh said the company had taken up the issue of interference with the district administration. He alleged that on December 4, certain politicians and their supporters attempted to pressure project officers to meet illegitimate demands, including the award of contracts and recruitment, despite there being no vacancies.

He further claimed that the company’s human resource head was attacked near Drabshalla while returning to his quarters after duty on the same day. “We raised the matter with the deputy commissioner, who ensured prompt action, including the registration of a police case against the identified accused,” Singh said.

A video statement of the officer and a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner detailing the incident have since gone viral on social media.

Providing employment figures, Singh said MEIL had engaged 1,434 people for the project, including 960 residents of Kishtwar district, 220 from Doda, 24 from Ramban and 215 from outside Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the regional labour commissioner had permitted the retrenchment of 300 surplus workers in September, but the company retrenched only 200, with an assurance to give them preference in future engagements. Some of them have since been re engaged on a need basis, he added.

Singh said any attempt to intimidate officers or workers was undemocratic and unacceptable, warning that continued interference could force the company to withdraw from the project, leading to heavy financial losses.

A BJP leader said the matter was discussed at a party meeting on Monday and a statement was likely to be issued on Tuesday.

NC MP Seeks Return Of Projects To J&K

Member of Parliament Mohammad Ramzan on Monday asked the Central Government to clarify when it intends to return major hydroelectric power projects to Jammu and Kashmir after what he said were decades of revenue collection and full cost recovery by NHPC. Raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha, he sought a clear timeline and commitment from the Centre on restoring ownership and control of the Union Territory’s key power assets.

Ramzan, as per news agency KNT referred to NHPC’s operation of multiple hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir and pressed the government to state whether there was any ongoing process to transfer these projects back to the local administration. He argued that J&K has long waited for the restoration of its power resources, which he said were vital for the region’s economic stability and energy needs.

The MP also highlighted the long-pending Nichanhama Rajwar lignite thermal power project in Handwara, which was initiated in 1989 but was abandoned due to the onset of militancy. Ramzan asked the government whether it has any plan to revive this project and, if so, by when. He underscored the importance of the Rajwar initiative for addressing energy shortages and unlocking local industrial potential.

The queries were placed before the Ministry of Power through an unstarred question seeking clarity on the present status of joint-venture hydropower projects, the financial position of NHPC in J&K, and the fate of the Rajwar lignite project.