Jammu, Nov 12 (Reporter) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Tuesday highlighted the implications of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on river-rich Jammu and Kashmir, which restricts its ability to harness its huge hydroelectric power potential primarily due to storage constraints. As a fallout of the treaty barriers, the Chief Minister said J&K pays a heavy price in peak winter months when power generation hits low, creating hardships for its people. Abdullah, who also holds the charge of Power portfolio, was speaking during the Conference of Power Ministers of States and UTs in the national capital. Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal, chaired the conference, which was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Power, J&K, H. Rajesh Prasad and MDs of J&K Discoms as part of J&K delegation. Minister of State for Power, Shripad Yesso Naik, was also present in the conference, which was attended by power ministers and senior government functionaries from all over the country. Speaking at the conference, Omar highlighted the limiting clauses in the Indus Water Treaty that restrict Jammu & Kashmir from realising its full hydel potential by only permitting run-of-the-river projects. “Hydel power is J&K’s only viable energy source. The region is compelled to rely on power imports from other states, which adversely impacts its economy. To address this, J&K would require special compensation from the Government of India, including viability gap funding and equity assistance, to harness its untapped hydro-energy potential,” he said, adding the support would not only help in meeting the region’s energy needs but also contribute to national clean energy goals. The Chief Minister also sought Centre’s intervention in holding Central Public Sector undertakings like PESL and National Thermal Power Corporation accountable in fast-tracking loss reduction works under the premier Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme in J&K. The Chief Minister also requested the Power Ministry to consider gap funding for implementation of electric infrastructure works under RDSS. During the session on solar power potential and green energy, the Chief Minister dwelled upon the solar power energy being generated in Ladakh and said that J&K would like to procure extra energy the UT is able to generate. Earlier, Abdullah arrived here on Monday evening to participate in the Conference of Power Ministers of States and UTs at the India International Convention and Expo Centre Dwarka. He stayed for the entire day and participated in all technical sessions and put forth the viewpoint of J&K Government during the conference...////...