Flooding shuts down Baglihar hydropower project in J&K
Times of India
by NASEER GANAIFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Flooding caused a temporary shutdown of the 450MW stage 1 Baglihar hydropower project on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred two days ago when water entered the project’s machine room, prompting engineers to halt power generation to protect critical equipment from damage. This move was crucial to prevent potential long-term harm to the facility.
The Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project is a significant contributor to the region's energy supply. While stage 1 remains suspended for repairs and maintenance, stage 2, which adds another 450MW capacity, will continue operations unaffected by the flooding. Stage 2 typically operates only during the peak months of July to September due to limited water discharge, but it will now take on additional load during the shutdown period.
A senior official clarified that this was minor flooding that coincided with scheduled maintenance for stage 1. The unit was already slated to remain closed for three months for repairs. Normally, stage 1 operates at full capacity for seven to eight months annually and runs at partial load for an additional three to four months. Stage 2, however, only operates during the lean period from July to September when water discharge is sufficient.
This situation highlights the challenges of balancing hydropower generation with natural events like flooding. While stage 2 will cover the power deficit during the repair period, the incident underscores the importance of contingency planning for critical energy infrastructure. Such events also raise questions about the long-term viability and resilience of hydropower projects in flood-prone regions.
The Baglihar project's dual-stage design allows for some flexibility, as stage 2 can compensate for the loss of stage 1 during repairs. However, the shutdown underscores the delicate balance between energy needs and natural risks faced by such facilities. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust infrastructure
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026