Kashmir’s First Hydropower Plant Mohra Set for Revival After Decades
Historic power project in Uri that once illuminated Srinagar may soon return to life
MLA Sajad Shafi calls it a step towards energy security and heritage revival
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: More than a century after it first lit up homes and institutions in the Valley, the historic Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project in Uri of Baramulla district is set to witness a revival, raising hopes of restoring one of Kashmir’s earliest engineering marvels while strengthening the region’s power infrastructure.
Constructed in 1905 during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh, the Mohra power station holds the distinction of being the first hydropower project in the Kashmir Valley. In its early years, the plant generated electricity that powered Srinagar, marking the beginning of modern electrification in the region and ushering in a new era of development.
The historic project, however, suffered major damage during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–48, when tribal raiders targeted key infrastructure in the Uri sector. Although it was later repaired and functioned for some years, the facility gradually slipped into disuse and eventually became non-functional, turning into a silent relic of Kashmir’s pioneering hydropower history.
Now, fresh efforts are being made to revive the century-old power plant, with authorities exploring the possibility of restoring the project with modern upgrades while preserving its historical significance.
Welcoming the development, Sajad Shafi, MLA from Uri, said the revival of the Mohra project would not only preserve an important chapter of Kashmir’s history but also contribute to addressing electricity shortages in the region.
“This project is not just a power plant; it is part of Kashmir’s heritage and identity. Mohra was the first hydropower project that brought electricity to the Valley, and its revival will be a matter of pride for the people of Uri and the entire region,” Shafi said.
He said efforts were being made to bring the historic facility back to life so that it can once again contribute to the power needs of north Kashmir.
“If restored with modern technology, Mohra can serve as both a functional power project and a heritage site showcasing the early history of hydropower in Kashmir. We are hopeful that the government will take concrete steps to ensure its revival,” he added.
Local residents and civil society groups have also been advocating the restoration of the project, arguing that reviving Mohra could help address electricity shortages in north Kashmir while also promoting the region’s historical legacy.
For many in the Valley, the revival of the Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project represents more than just the restoration of an old facility—it symbolizes reconnecting with a proud past that once illuminated the first electric lights in Srinagar and laid the foundation for the development of hydropower in Jammu and Kashmir.
