A Century Recharged: The 120-Year-Old Mohra Project Returns

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has announced plans to revive the historic Mohra Power Project, a 120-year-old hydroelectric facility that has remained non-operational since the 1990s.

The decision comes amid accelerated efforts to strengthen the region’s power infrastructure following recent developments linked to the Indus Waters Treaty. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the power portfolio, informed the Assembly that revival work has been initiated by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation.

Situated along the Jhelum River in Baramulla district, the Mohra Power Project was commissioned in 1905 and is among India’s oldest hydroelectric plants. Designed as a run-of-the-river system, it originally had a capacity of around 5 MW. However, extensive damage caused by floods in 1992 led to a decline in generation and eventual closure.

The project is also notable for its distinctive wooden water channel, stretching over 10 km across mountainous terrain, which historically carried water to the turbines. The revival plan includes renovation, modernization, and operational upgrades, supporting the region’s broader objective of significantly enhancing power generation capacity by 2035.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.