Jammu and Kashmir is at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey, with immense potential for renewable energy, particularly solar power. The region’s geographic location provides significant solar radiation throughout the year, making it an ideal location for large-scale solar power generation. However, despite the announcement of creating a land bank for solar parks in July 2024, there has been no meaningful progress on this front.
The delay is attributed to bureaucratic inertia and the lack of coordinated action across government departments. The Revenue Department, responsible for managing most of the land, has ignored land allocation requests, resulting in no progress on the initiative. This lack of cooperation highlights the need for greater coordination between departments and a more efficient land management system.
The failure to identify land for solar parks is a significant roadblock to realizing Jammu and Kashmir’s renewable energy potential. Large tracts of land remain under encroachment, while government-backed projects, including solar parks, languish due to the lack of land. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed government announcements and initiatives fail to translate into action due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and a lack of political will.
The region’s hydroelectric potential is also underutilized, with challenges such as reduced hydropower output due to rainfall shortages and lengthy environmental clearances. In contrast, solar energy emerges as a more viable option, being cost-effective, quicker to implement, and environmentally sustainable.
The development of solar parks in Jammu and Kashmir could bring numerous economic and environmental benefits, including job creation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced energy independence. However, the current scenario raises fundamental questions about the efficacy of government departments and their ability to collaborate effectively on projects that could benefit the region and its people.
It is essential for the government to take timely action on the solar park initiative, as the potential benefits are immense. Large-scale solar parks could generate a substantial amount of clean energy, contributing significantly to the region’s energy security. As the world moves towards cleaner energy sources, Jammu and Kashmir must not fall behind in tapping into its solar potential. The government must work towards creating a land bank for solar parks, ensuring cooperation between departments, and implementing a more efficient land management system to realize the region’s renewable energy ambitions.