How Wind Energy Can Cater J&K’s Energy Demand

 

 

How Wind Energy Can Cater J&K’s Energy Demand

                       “Power in the Air”

Raman Sharma

jkrtiact@gmail.com   

Jammu and Kashmir is known for its mountains, meadows and rivers, but hidden within this beauty lies another kind of power, the power of the wind. Though blessed with sunshine, water and biomass, the region still faces energy shortages. Much of its electricity depends on conventional fuels, leading to deforestation, use of firewood and growing pollution. To address this, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir drafted J & K Wind Power Policy 2023, a major step toward clean and renewable energy.

 

Wind energy is one of the most reliable and sustainable sources of power. Unlike coal or oil, it neither exhausts natural resources nor damages the environment. Countries like Denmark, Germany and Spain have already shown how wind can ensure energy independence. For Jammu and Kashmir, with its varied terrain and climate, harnessing wind power is both practical and promising. Studies suggest that J&K has an installable wind potential of about 5,300 MW at 50 metres and nearly 5,700 MW at 80 metres. These figures show that several districts are suitable for wind farms.

 

The Wind Power Policy 2023 provides a framework to promote investment and public participation. It will remain operative for fifteen years, allowing individuals, companies and institutions to set up wind turbines for their own use or to sell power to the grid. The policy ensures transparent land allotment, simplified permissions and open access. The Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) is the nodal body for project registration and approvals through a single-window system. This clarity is expected to build investor confidence and speed up renewable growth.

 

Jammu and Kashmir’s geography offers both challenges and opportunities. Hilly terrain and cold weather make large operations difficult, but modern technology has made wind generation possible even in tough conditions. New turbines with temperature-resistant blades, better gear systems and hybrid solar-wind models can work efficiently in mountain regions. The Jammu plains and parts of Kathua, Reasi, Rajouri and high plateaus near Ladakh have good potential. Smaller wind turbines can bring power to remote and border villages still off-grid, improving rural life and reducing dependence on wood.

 

The economic benefits of wind power are strong. Once installed, turbines require little running cost as the wind is free. The policy offers incentives such as exemption from electricity duty, 50 percent relief in demand cuts for captive users and concessions in transmission charges. Developers can lease government land at a fixed rate of three hectares per megawatt, easing one of the biggest hurdles in renewable projects. By allowing both captive and third-party power sales at approved or competitive rates, the government has made wind energy a profitable option for industries and investors.

 

Wind energy can open new avenues of entrepreneurship for local youth. Small-scale fabrication, maintenance, logistics and service activities linked with wind farms can provide steady livelihoods. Training in turbine operation and green technologies can prepare young people for modern energy jobs. As these ventures grow, they will generate employment and add to the region’s economic growth.

 

Wind energy projects can even become tourist attractions. The sight of tall turbines turning against snow-covered mountains or open valleys can draw visitors and students. Viewing points and eco-friendly facilities around such projects could promote green tourism, adding income for nearby communities.

 

The policy includes technical guidelines. Developers must set up their own evacuation systems to ensure that power reaches the grid efficiently. Advanced metering will allow real-time monitoring of output. Compliance with Central Electricity Authority standards will protect grid stability and prevent power fluctuations. These measures make the policy both practical and reliable.  

Environmentally, wind energy offers great advantages. Every unit of wind power replaces electricity from coal or diesel, cutting carbon emissions. In a region where ecosystems are fragile and weather patterns are shifting, clean energy will reduce environmental stress and save forests, which many people still depend on for firewood. Wind projects will create jobs in construction, maintenance and services, offering opportunities to local workers and small businesses.

The policy insists on responsible development. Use of second-hand turbines is banned; only machines approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are allowed. Developers are encouraged to explore the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which grants carbon credits for reducing emissions. Income from these credits will be shared between developers and power purchasers, adding an extra incentive to maintain clean operations.  

The larger goal of the Wind Power Policy 2023 is not just to produce electricity but to reshape the region’s energy future. It aims for self-reliance, cleaner air and long-term sustainability. By tapping its wind potential, Jammu and Kashmir can balance hydro and solar resources, ensuring power even in winter when river flow drops. This balanced mix will help the Union Territory meet its growing demand while supporting India’s target of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.

The Wind Power Policy 2023 is more than a technical paper. It is a vision for a cleaner and stronger future. It calls for using nature’s resources wisely. With honest implementation, public participation and continued innovation, the winds across Jammu and Kashmir can become a true source of light, livelihood and hope. (The author is an RTI Activist from Jammu).

Jammu Needs Dignified Traffic Policing

Jammu Needs Dignified Traffic Policing

By Raman Sharma

In recent months, Jammu city has witnessed a disturbing trend in the enforcement of traffic laws. From repetitive squats (Uthak-Baithak) as punishment to the use of foul language and even slapping by traffic police officials, such practices have raised serious concerns about the manner in which law is being implemented.  

At several chowks and naka points, traffic officers, often accompanied by self-styled media persons, stop motorists for traffic checks. While ensuring road safety and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is indeed a lawful duty, the way these checks are being conducted is increasingly questionable.  

Section 132 of the Motor Vehicles Act empowers police officers to stop a driver and inspect documents, while Section 206 allows temporary seizure of licences under certain conditions. However, these powers must be exercised with fairness, restraint, and respect for citizens’ dignity. Unfortunately, in Jammu, public scolding and humiliation of motorists have become common. Videos of such incidents are recorded by unofficial “media” persons and circulated on social media, causing unnecessary embarrassment. Even if a person violates a minor rule, they still retain their constitutional right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.  

Section 180(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, recognises the right of a person to remain silent and not make self-incriminating statements. The Supreme Court, in D.K. Basu vs State of West Bengal (1997), laid down clear guidelines to preserve human dignity during law enforcement. Even in serious crimes, public humiliation is prohibited — traffic violations should be treated with no less respect.  

The involvement of so-called media channels at these naka points adds another legal and ethical issue. Many of these individuals are not accredited journalists and are often members of personal fan clubs of traffic officials. Their unauthorised recording and uploading of videos violate privacy and police protocols. The Motor Vehicles Act or Police Rules do not allow random individuals to film enforcement proceedings. If genuine media coverage is needed, it should be done officially without disclosing personal details of violators.  

The Jammu and Kashmir Police already have Public Relations sections at various levels to spread awareness about traffic rules. Instead of using these official channels, some officers prefer publicity through unauthorised social media collaborators, turning enforcement into spectacle.

  Moreover, the selective deployment of nakas reveals bias , busy junctions with high visibility often have heavy police presence, while other congested routes remain unmanaged, resulting in severe jams. This selective enforcement defeats the purpose of fair traffic regulation.

Citizens should also be aware of their rights. They can ask for identification of the officer, demand a copy of the challan specifying the section of violation, and must be informed in writing if documents are seized. They cannot be forced to make statements against themselves.

Traffic law enforcement and public dignity are not mutually exclusive. Officers must act with discipline, politeness, and professionalism. Internal guidelines should ban unauthorised individuals at enforcement sites, and officers should receive training in handling violators respectfully.

Jammu city urgently needs effective, technology-driven traffic management  with CCTV surveillance and e-challans  to replace confrontational enforcement. The goal should be to maintain road discipline without violating basic human dignity. 

Law and dignity must go hand in hand. A violator should be penalised according to the law, but never humiliated. The uniform must command respect through fairness and integrity, not fear.

RTI Appeal Filed Against Tehsildar Kathua for Withholding Information on Encroached Water Bodies

   " DENIAL OF RTI INFORMATION REGARDING LAND MAFIA"

Jammu, 26/09/2025: An appeal under Right to Information Act has been filed against Tehsildar Kathua before the First Appellate Authority by RTI activist Raman Kumar Sharma for denial of information regarding encroachments on natural water bodies in Tehsil Kathua.

On 7th September 2025, Raman Sharma submitted an RTI application under registration  number KATHU/R/2025/60086/1 through the J&K government’s online portal seeking details of natural water bodies and encroachments in Tehsil Kathua .

The activist had specifically sought copies of records showing names of the natural water bodies, villages where they are situated, their dimensions, number of encroachments, names of illegal encroachers, and action taken against these mafias who have encroached these water bodies.

Instead of providing the information, the Tehsildar, Kathua, vide his office communication dated 20th September 2025, asked the activist to personally visit his office on 29th and 30th September to inspect the records.

In his First Appeal (under RTI Act) bearing number KATHU/A/2025/60030 dated 24/09/2025 before the Concerned Authority in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, the activist described this response of the Tehsildar Kathua as a violation of the RTI Act, which mandates  supply of information.

Sharma  argued that compelling inspection in place of providing copies amounts to constructive denial, especially when the applicant resides nearly 90 Km. away in Jammu. The activist also raised concerns about personal safety, pointing out that the matter relates to powerful land grabbers and mafias.

The appeal states that the RTI Act was enacted to ensure transparency and accountability, and various orders of the Supreme Court and High Courts call authorities not to create hurdles in providing information. 

 The appeal also requests that the Tehsildar Kathua and his staff handling RTI applications should undergo RTI training at J&K IMPA, Sidhra, Jammu to understand and sensitization about RTI Act .

The appellant has urged the First Appellate Authority to direct the Tehsildar  Kathua to furnish the complete information within a fixed timeframe.

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Over Rs 6.43 Crore Collected In Fee For 75 Naib-Tehsildar Posts In J&K

 Jammu, Aug 24: The recruitment for just 75 naib tehsildar posts has turned into a windfall for Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) which has collected over Rs 6.43 crore from aspirants in application fees, according to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) query.

With each form priced at Rs 600 for general and Rs 500 for reserved category, the money collected shows that over one lakh aspirants had applied for the posts but the deferment of the recruitment process last month has now left these candidates in limbo, RTI activist Raman Kumar Sharma said.

“The sheer scale of the response — over one lakh candidates vying for a meagre 75 posts — speaks volumes about the deepening unemployment crisis. It reflects the desperation of educated youth who, despite degrees and qualifications, are left with few opportunities,” Sharma, who filed the RTI application, said.

The JKSSB in its response to the query said that an amount of Rs 6,43,28,400 was collected as fees from the candidates for 75 posts of naib tehsildar in the revenue department on June 9.

Sharma filed the RTI application on July 21, a week after the JKSSB deferred the recruitment until further notice after the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu, stayed the ‘Urdu-only’ rule for the recruitment.

The activist had sought details about the total number of applications, category-wise, received in response to the job notification and the money collected from them.

The Public Information Officer, JKSSB, in his reply on August 2, refused to share the information about the number of applications before the culmination of the selection process, but shared the details about the total fees collected.

“For thousands of aspirants, many from financially strained backgrounds, the deferment of the recruitment process not only means the loss of hope but also the loss of hard-earned money, as there is no return policy for the deposited application fee,” Sharma said.

Shortly after the advertisement, the recruitment ran into controversy over the mandatory Urdu clause, with the BJP leading the protests, seeking revocation of the “discriminatory order” across the Jammu region – a party bastion where it had won 29 Assembly seats last year.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the Urdu only clause and said there was never any intention to prevent anyone from appearing for the exam.

“Even before Independence, our revenue records were in Urdu. How will a staff member in the revenue department work if he/she does not know Urdu?” Abdullah said earlier.

He said that in the past, officers of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service and Indian Administrative Service not versed in Urdu used to be given time to learn basics.

“I do not think staff members of the revenue department who do not know Urdu can be efficient for the job,” the National Conference leader said, and advocated for the policy that grants time to the people to learn the language after appointment.

On July 14, a two-member CAT bench stayed the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules of 2009 that mandate graduation with knowledge of Urdu as the minimum qualification for the post of naib tehsildar.

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, reacting to the CAT order, said, “It is deeply unfortunate that our judiciary appears to be influenced by divisive politics.” The People’s Democratic Party president said, “Urdu, a recognised official language for decades, is now being unfairly communalised. Our revenue records and administrative work continue to be maintained in Urdu, and it is only logical that applicants for the post of naib tehsildar possess basic proficiency in the language. This requirement is rooted purely in administrative efficiency, not in any form of divisiveness.”

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Nearly half of central funds for border bunkers in J&K lie unused, reveals RTI

 Jammu, 30/Jun/2025 , Published in The Hindu, Economic Times, Business Standard,Daily Excelsion, Greater Kashmir.

(PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir administration has not utilised nearly half of the central funds allocated for building underground bunkers for border residents over the last five years, according to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application.

The revelation comes amid heightened calls for civilian safety, following last month's Operation Sindoor and the intense cross-border shelling.

Responding to the Right To Information application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department said, an amount of ₹242.77 crore was given to the Union Territory administration headed by the Lt Governor between 2020-21 and 2024-25. However, 46.58% of the money remains unspent.

It said Rajouri district accounted for the highest utilisation of funds to the tune of ₹78.05 crore followed by Poonch (₹44.56 crore), Samba (₹42.09 crore), Kathua (₹37.20 crore), Jammu (₹17.51 crore), Kupwara (₹14.85 crore), Bandipora (₹4.33 crore) and Baramulla (₹4.15 crore).

India shares a 3,323-km border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the International Border (IB) and 744 km of the Line of Control (LoC) fall in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre initially sanctioned the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers for ₹415.73 crore for border residents facing Pakistani shelling along the LoC and the IB in 2018-19.

 

While 7,298 bunkers were sanctioned for the population along the LoC in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, 7,162 underground bunkers got approved for villages along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.

Later, the government sanctioned more than 4,000 bunkers to cover a more vulnerable population, including the areas falling in the north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, so far, 9,500 bunkers have been set up along the India-Pakistan border in the Union Territory.

The bunkers proved to be a lifesaver for the border residents during the intense Pakistani shelling last month, minimising human loss, even as massive damage was caused to residential houses, besides the loss of livestock.

Sharing the reply of the Home Department with PTI here, Mr. Kumar expressed surprise over the non-utilisation of funds during the relatively peaceful years along the borders.

"Only 53.42% of the funds were utilised between 2020-21 and 2024-25," he said.

The Home Department said, "Total funds amounting to ₹24,277.85 lakh (₹242.778 crore) have been given by the government of India to the government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Finance Department, J&K during the financial year 2020-21 till date for construction of bunkers for civilians in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir." It said, an amount of ₹6,918.31 was released for 2020-21, ₹4,170 for 2021-22, ₹8,189.54 for 2022-23 and ₹2,500 each for 2023-24 and 2024-25.

However, the reply said that the J&K administration has only spent ₹12,967.869 lakh (₹129.678 crore) for the construction of bunkers for civilians -- ₹4,881.108 lakh in 2020-21, ₹3,318.548 lakh in 2021-22, ₹2,275.313 lakh in 2022-23, ₹846.64 lakh in 2023-24, and ₹1,646.26 lakh in 2024-25.

A total of 27 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives and 70 were injured in intense Pakistani shelling and drone attacks on forward villages in Jammu and Kashmir after Indian armed forces launched missile strikes on terror infrastructure across the border during the intervening night of May 6 and 7 under Operation Sindoor to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a local service provider dead.

Poonch and Rajouri accounted for most of the civilian casualties, prompting requests for the construction of more safety bunkers along the borders.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the shelling-hit areas in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions within two days after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to halt military actions with immediate effect on May 10. He asserted that his government will formulate a policy to build individual bunkers for the people.

"Community bunkers had been built, but they were not used for so long. No new bunker has come up in many years. Wherever I went, people said we should build individual bunkers," he said.

"The government will frame a policy on that, and a scheme will be formulated for the people in these areas which are closer to the LoC and the border, and that would then be taken up with the central government," he added.

He said the community bunkers are a lifeline during moments of crisis.

"We will ensure the construction of more such safer spaces to protect and support our people living in border areas," he said.

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" Matter of Oil Tanker Drivers Union Election is Sub Judice" , Says Raina

Oil Tanker Drivers Union Election to be Held as Per Court's Directions: Union President 

Jammu, 10 June 2025: The All Jammu and Kashmir Oil and LPG Tank Truck Drivers and Cleaners Union has clarified that the matter concerning its upcoming elections is currently under judicial consideration. In a press note issued today, Union President S. Ranjit Singh Raina stated that the incumbent office bearers of the union have no role in determining the date, process, or conduct of the elections. “It is now for the Hon’ble Court to decide,” he said, emphasizing that the matter is sub judice as stay has been issued by a local court of Jammu.

Raina further informed that some aggrieved members of the union had approached the Court of Law in Jammu. In response, the court has appointed a retired District and Sessions Judge to oversee and conduct the union's elections.

Raina also raised concerns over certain individuals who, allegedly impersonating union members and influenced by anti-social elements, have been staging protests outside oil depots. These actions, according to him, are attempts to block the supply of essential fuel and disturb law and order at the sensitive Narwal Depot, which falls under the jurisdiction of Police Post Narwal, Jammu.

“All bonafide members of the union have been made aware of the current legal status regarding the elections. Despite this, some elements continue to mislead and incite our members,” he said.

The Union President reiterated that the final decision regarding the conduct of the elections rests solely with the court. “We respect courts and judges and only the judiciary will now decide the future course of the Union elections,” he concluded.  

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तेल टैंकर ड्राइवर यूनियन का चुनाव अदालत के निर्देशानुसार होगा: यूनियन अध्यक्ष

 "मामला विचाराधीन है, अब चुनाव पर फैसला अदालत करेगी"           :  रणजीत सिंह रैना                                                                            

जम्मू, 10 जून 2025: ऑल जम्मू एंड कश्मीर ऑयल एंड एलपीजी टैंक ट्रक ड्राइवर्स एंड क्लीनर्स यूनियन ने स्पष्ट किया है कि यूनियन चुनाव से संबंधित मामला वर्तमान में न्यायालय के विचाराधीन है।

आज जारी एक प्रेस नोट में यूनियन के अध्यक्ष  सरदार रणजीत सिंह रैना ने कहा कि यूनियन के वर्तमान पदाधिकारियों की चुनाव की तिथि, प्रक्रिया या आयोजन में कोई भूमिका नहीं है। उन्होंने कहा, "अब यह मामला माननीय न्यायालय के अधिकार क्षेत्र में है," और बताया कि जम्मू की एक स्थानीय अदालत ने इस मामले में स्थगनादेश (स्टे) भी जारी किया है।

रैना ने जानकारी दी कि यूनियन के कुछ असंतुष्ट सदस्यों ने जम्मू की अदालत में याचिका दायर की थी। इसके बाद अदालत ने एक सेवानिवृत्त जिला एवं सत्र न्यायाधीश को यूनियन चुनाव की निगरानी और संचालन के लिए नियुक्त किया है।

उन्होंने यह भी आरोप लगाया कि कुछ लोग, जो कथित रूप से यूनियन सदस्य होने का नाटक कर रहे हैं और असामाजिक तत्वों के इशारे पर काम कर रहे हैं, तेल डिपो के बाहर प्रदर्शन कर रहे हैं। उनके अनुसार, ये लोग आवश्यक ईंधन की आपूर्ति बाधित करने और नरवाल डिपो जैसे संवेदनशील क्षेत्र, जो पुलिस पोस्ट नरवाल, जम्मू के अंतर्गत आता है, में कानून व्यवस्था बिगाड़ने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं।

रैना ने कहा, "यूनियन के सभी वास्तविक सदस्यों को चुनाव की कानूनी स्थिति की पूरी जानकारी दी जा चुकी है, इसके बावजूद कुछ तत्व उन्हें भड़काने और गुमराह करने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं।"

यूनियन अध्यक्ष ने दोहराया कि अब यूनियन चुनावों के आयोजन का अंतिम निर्णय केवल न्यायपालिका ही करेगी। "हम न्यायालयों और न्यायाधीशों का सम्मान करते हैं और अब केवल अदालत ही यूनियन चुनावों के भविष्य का निर्णय लेगी".  

  

Court Stays Oil Tanker Drivers’ Union Election

 Jammu, 03/June/2025: A local court in Jammu has put a stay on the elections of the All Jammu and Kashmir Oil and LPG Tank Truck Drivers’ Union.

The court in its order dated 02/June/2025 has also put on hold  election-related notices issued by the Returning Officer, Mr. M.R. Chak, a retired District and Sessions Judge.

One of the contesting candidates said the court has stayed the election notifications dated 24 April, 22 May and  31 May 2025, which had announced the schedule and process for the polls.

The Returning Officer has also been directed not to take any further steps until the next hearing.

Interestingly, the stay has come at a time when Advance Winter Stocking (AWS) for the Ladakh region is underway. This is a crucial period when essential fuel supplies are rushed to the Leh and Kargil region before winter sets in.

The contesting candidate said, holding elections now could have disrupted the AWS operations, as many tanker drivers would have been busy with the elections.    

The candidate confirmed the court’s order but did not disclose the name of the person who approached the court and assured as an when the signed copy of judgment is released from court, he would share even the name of the petitioner who had approached the court.   

More details are expected soon, and the matter is likely to remain in the spotlight in the coming days.                                                                              

High Court Stays Rejection Order of ADC Jammu, Asks for Expeditious Review

 " Issuance of Pahari  ST  Certificate to Residents of Non-Pahari Speaking Areas "

Jammu, 09/May/2025: In a significant development, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani has stayed the order of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, wherein the ADC Jammu, vide his office order dated 19/10/2024, had rejected the appeal of the petitioner Garvit Raina, a student of 27 years and upheld the order of the Tehsildar RS Pura, Jammu, who had already rejected the application of the petitioner for the issuance of a Scheduled Tribe Certificate claiming to be a member of the Pahari Speaking Clan. 

 Aggrieved over the rejection of his application dated 08/08/2024 for issuance of ST certificate by the Tehsildar RS Pura, Jammu, the applicant, seeking indulgence of the office of DC Jammu, submitted a first appeal before the first Appellate Authority, i.e. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, and requested for issuance of an ST Certificate.

The petitioner had claimed to be a member of the Pahari Ethnic Clan and originally hailing from Tehsil Plandari, Poonch (POJK). The petitioner in his appeal had also submitted that his mother tongue would be Pahari. However, the office of the ADC Jammu rejected the appeal of the petitioner. 

On behalf of Garvit Raina , the petitioner, Advocate Chetan Prabhakar and Karan Prasher filed a writ petition before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and prayed for quashing the order of the ADC Jammu and for issuing directions to other respondents to issue an ST Certificate to the petitioner. 

In the petition before the court, the petitioner had stated that the intent of the legislature regarding the reservation for Pahari Ethnic Clan is not area-specific but linguistic and ethnic-specific.

The single bench court of Justice Mohd. Yusuf Wani after hearing the submissions of Advocate Chetan Prabhakar, stayed the order of the ADC Jammu and directed the ADC Jammu for an expeditious review of his order dated 19/10/2024.

This order of the High Court dated 05/05/2025 may have broader implication for individuals belonging to the Pahari community residing outside traditionally recognized areas.                              

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