The River Jehlum, which drains almost the entire Kashmir Valley, becomes steeper with a significant vertical drop along its length from Baramulla to Kaman Post. This topography is ideal for hydroelectric power projects, particularly run-of-the-river power plants. Currently, three such projects are operational within this approximately 70-kilometer stretch.
Taking advantage of this favorable terrain, Maharaja Pratap Singh, the monarch of Kashmir, enlisted the services of Canadian-born engineer Major Alian de Litbniere to design a hydroelectric project in Mohra, a hamlet roughly 40 kilometers from Baramulla. The project was commissioned in 1902 and became operational in 1905, at a time when ‘Reinforced Concrete Technology’ was not widely practiced in the valley, which was only accessible to the world via horse-drawn carts. The headworks were constructed of brick masonry, and the challenging task of transporting water through steep terrain from Rampur, a hamlet in Boniyar, to Mohra, a distance of about 10 kilometers, was accomplished by building a Wooden Flume for two-thirds of the length.
The wooden flume made the project unique, leading to Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) receiving an award on December 01, 2015, for its pioneering work in hydroelectric project construction in the region. This achievement was recognized at the 5th India Power Awards in New Delhi under the unique project category.
To ensure the wooden channel’s leak-proof nature, ‘Tongue and Groove Joints’ were utilized in timber planks sourced from numerous locally available deodar trees. This construction method not only made the channel economical but also showcased remarkable skill, even by today’s standards.
Following strenuous civil work in challenging terrain, the 3.75 Megawatts power plant, with a 430-foot head (fall), became operational in 1905. The electricity generated by the plant was initially supplied in S to dredgers at Sopore to reclaim 60,000 flood-hit acres of cultivable land. Excess electricity from the 3.75 Megawatts was then used to power the world-famous Crispa Silk Factory in Srinagar after running the dredgers at Doabgah Sopore.
After a few decades of service, the project faced a severe flood in 1959. Subsequently, the project was renovated and expanded to a capacity of 9 Megawatts just a few meters upstream from its original location.
The new electro-mechanical assembly, housed in a two-story concrete building (Power Plant), was operational at the new location in 1962, thanks to the technical assistance of Hungarian engineers. Despite serving the valley for nearly three decades, the project faced another devastating flood in 1992, rendering it non-operational since then.
The Government of J&K, through JKSPDC, is actively working to revive the Mohra Power Project to preserve this remarkable heritage for future generations. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in restoring the historic Mohra Power Project to its former glory. Engineers and conservationists have been diligently assessing the damage caused by the 1992 flood and developing a comprehensive plan for its rehabilitation.The project aims to not only restore the functionality of the power plant but also to maintain the historical and cultural significance of the site.
By combining modern engineering techniques with traditional preservation methods, the Mohra Power Project is set to become a model for sustainable heritage conservation. With the support of the local community and stakeholders, this ambitious endeavor is poised to revive a piece of J&K’s rich history for generations to come.The revitalization of the Mohra Power Project is a testament to the commitment of the Government of J&K to preserving its cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development. Through this project, not only will the region benefit from increased energy production, but the local community will also have a renewed sense of pride in their history and heritage. As work progresses on the rehabilitation of the power plant, there is a growing sense of optimism and excitement among all those involved. The future of the Mohra Power Project looks bright, and its revival will serve as a beacon of hope for other heritage sites in the region.
With advancements in technology and engineering practices, the restoration efforts aim not only to bring the power plant back to operational status but also to enhance its efficiency and sustainability. The project has garnered support from various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations, all recognizing the significance of preserving this iconic piece of hydroelectric history.
As plans take shape and resources are allocated, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the revival of the Mohra Power Project. The legacy of innovation and resilience that defined its early years continues to inspire those involved in its rejuvenation, underscoring the enduring importance of sustainable energy solutions in the modern world.
(JAN PALLA)