Security fears may hamper Ladakh, J&K power discom privatization

NEW DELHI : Privatization of electricity distribution in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) may have to wait due to security and strategic concerns and challenges of terrain and low power demand, three people aware of the development said.

This comes against the backdrop of mounting tensions along the India-China border, particularly in the Galwan region of Ladakh, and increasing hostilities with Pakistan. Given the security imperatives, some believe that there is a need for critical power infrastructure in strategic areas to be controlled and managed by the government.

Low power demand in Ladakh and some circles of Jammu and Kashmir, and extra time to unbundle power companies may add to the delay, said the people cited above, who are involved in the Union territories’ discom privatization process.