Harnessing Himalayan Hydropower for a Sustainable Future: Policy Frameworks and Regional Strategies in India with a Focus on Jammu & Kashmir

The Himalayan region holds a significant share of India?s untapped hydroelectric potential, critical for the nation?s transition to clean energy. This paper analyses the evolving policy landscape at both national and subnational levels that seeks to harness this renewable resource. It explores the alignment of hydroelectric development with India?s climate commitments, the challenges of implementation in mountainous regions, and innovative regional strategies particularly the Draft Hydro Power Policy 2025 of Jammu & Kashmir. Through a comprehensive review of official data, policy documents, and international climate obligations, the paper identifies critical gaps in existing frameworks and proposes a multi-dimensional strategy to accelerate environmentally sound, inclusive, and economically viable hydroelectric development in the Indian Himalayas. The study proposes a multi-dimensional and inclusive governance models that balances energy security with ecological preservation and community participation.