Operations at the 450 megawatt (MW) Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, situated on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, have been paused due to flooding that occurred two days ago. As water inundated the facility, engineers took immediate action to stop power generation to avert potential damage to vital electro-mechanical components.

Impact on Power Supply

The Baglihar project, located in Ramban district, plays a crucial role in the region’s electricity supply. With the suspension of operations at stage 1, which contributes 450 MW of capacity, stage 2 remains unaffected by the flooding and continues to operate. Stage 2 is also rated at 450 MW and is essential for maintaining power during stage 1’s downtime.

Assessment of Flooding Severity

A senior official characterized the situation as minor flooding occurring during scheduled maintenance activities. Notably, stage 1 had already been slated for a three-month closure to accommodate necessary repairs. The official indicated that the timing of the flooding coincides with the existing maintenance schedule.

Operational Adjustments Planned

The official further explained that stage 1 typically runs at full capacity for approximately seven to eight months each year, with a reduced output for an additional three to four months. In contrast, stage 2 is designed to function only for about four months each year, primarily from July to September, as insufficient water discharge limits simultaneous operations of both stages during periods of low flow. Given the current circumstance, stage 2, which would usually be inactive during lean water periods, will remain operational while repairs on stage 1 are underway.

Future Outlook for the Project

As the project management focuses on completing the repairs in the scheduled three-month timeframe, the continuation of stage 2 operations is expected to provide necessary power supply stability. The overall strategy aims to minimize disruptions while ensuring that energy demands are met in the region.

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