An independent audit has revealed that all the 21 hydel power projects run by the J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) are not following the Standard Operating Manual which is necessary for energy accounting. The audit has been conducted on the projects on the Chenab, the Ravi and the Indus basin, generating 761.96 MW of power. As per the report, there are no laid down procedures to ensure the reliability of sophisticated meters installed for recording the energy outflow, which tracks the generation of each unit. The report says there is no system of comparison between the readings of the main meter and the check meters at most of the power houses, which has adversely affected the functioning of these projects. “No system of periodical testing and recalibration of recording instruments are in place and in some cases meters have not been tested since their installation,” the report said. Lower Jhelum, Upper Sindh I, Ganderbal, Upper Sindh II, Karnah, Pahalgam, Chenani I, Chenani II, Chenani III, Baderwah, Baglihar, Sewa III, Iqbal Bridge, Hunder, Sumoor, Bazgo, Igo-Mercellong, Marpachoo, Haftal, Stakna and Sanjak projects are managed by the JKSPDC. The estimated hydro power potential of the state is 20,000 MW, out of which about 16,697 MW have been identified by the government. On the other hand, a total potential of 2,457.96 MW has been harnessed so far which comprise 760.46 MW in the state sector, 1,680 MW in the central sector and 17.5 MW in the private sector. JKPDC Managing Director Mehraj Kakroo, however, declined to comment on the matter and said that it was a technical issue and involves several mechanisms to understand the functioning of the hydro project. “The matter is purely technical in nature. I can’t comment over it. But we have established proper guidelines to run the power projects,” Kakroo said. Norms violated The audit has been conducted on the projects on the Chenab, the Ravi and the Indus basin, generating 761.96 MW of power There are no laid down procedures to ensure the reliability of sophisticated meters installed for recording energy outflow There is no system of comparison between the readings of the main meter and the check meters at most of the power houses.