Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has stunning natural beauty and mighty rivers. But these rivers are not just part of the landscape—they form the backbone of Pakistan’s power sector. From historical projects like the Mangla Dam to CPEC’s mega hydropower ventures, AJK plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s energy landscape.

However, a critical question remains: Is this development at an environmental and social cost? Let’s dive into the details.

1. Mangla Dam: The Foundation of AJK’s Development

The Mangla Dam, built on the Jhelum River in 1967, is one of Pakistan’s most significant energy infrastructure projects.

• Generates 1,150 MW of electricity, producing around 5,000 GWh annually.
• Supports agriculture and flood control, in addition to power generation.

However, the construction of Mangla Dam displaced around 110,000 people, many of whom migrated to the UK. Even today, many affected families await full compensation.

With storage capacity decreasing, the rehabilitation of Mangla Dam is underway. While this project remains vital for Pakistan, the real question is: Have we learned from past mistakes?

2. Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project: An Environmental Challenge

Located near Muzaffarabad, the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project was completed in 2018, generating 969 MW of electricity and providing 5,150 GWh annually.

While this project is an engineering success, it has raised serious environmental and social concerns:

• Reducing the Neelum River’s flow has impacted agriculture and the local ecosystem.
• Water shortages have affected communities in Muzaffarabad.
• Local communities claim their concerns were ignored, and compensation was inadequate.

Though the project is a technical triumph, should more attention have been paid to environmental impacts?

3. Karot Hydropower Project: A Success Story

The Karot Hydropower Project, located on the Jhelum River between Punjab and AJK, is another significant milestone.

• Generates 720 MW of electricity.
• Became operational in 2022, supplying power to nearly 5 million people.

Built under CPEC, this project is a vital addition to Pakistan’s power generation.

4. Azad Pattan Hydropower Project: The Future in Progress

Located on the Jhelum River in Sudhnoti district, the Azad Pattan Hydropower Project is still under construction.

• Expected to generate 700.7 MW of power.
• Scheduled for completion by 2026.
• Part of CPEC, it will contribute significantly to Pakistan’s energy production.

5. Pakistan vs. India: A Hydropower Comparison

When comparing India and Pakistan’s hydropower strategies, key differences emerge:

• India’s total hydropower capacity exceeds 46,000 MW, with many small-scale, eco-friendly projects.
• Pakistan relies on large dams like Mangla and Tarbela but struggles with siltation and delays.

India prioritizes small, sustainable projects, whereas Pakistan focuses on large-scale initiatives. Should Pakistan rethink its approach to align with modern, environmentally friendly solutions?

6. Public Opinion: Local, National, and International Perspectives

Public opinions on AJK’s hydropower projects vary:

• Local perspective:

“Changes in river flow have disrupted agriculture and water availability.”

• National perspective:

“Experts see these projects as vital for Pakistan’s economy, but environmental concerns must not be ignored.”

• International perspective:

“There are debates over Chinese investment, with concerns about whether these projects benefit Pakistan or China more.”

Conclusion: The Path Forward

AJK holds immense potential for Pakistan’s energy future, but development comes with environmental and social challenges.

The critical question remains:

Can we balance progress with environmental sustainability and social responsibility?

The future of AJK’s hydropower sector depends on our choices today.

For comments and suggestions, please give them in the section.