Dr Jitendra Singh reviews implementation roadmap of Ujh Multipurpose Project
Blazing Tales News Service
NEW DELHI, AUGUST: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh reviewed the status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project (UMP) in Kathua district, describing it as a strategically important project that will enhance irrigation, power generation, water security and border management in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister held a detailed review meeting with officials of WAPCOS Ltd., a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been entrusted with implementing the project.
Stressing the need for expeditious execution, Singh directed the implementing agency to adopt innovative implementation strategies while ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
Officials informed the Minister that the project will be executed in a phased manner. Construction work will begin while acquisition of the remaining land continues simultaneously, avoiding delays associated with completing the entire land acquisition process before commencement of work. Preparations regarding the project site and related infrastructure are also underway.
During the meeting, Singh said the project, conceived nearly a century ago, had remained pending for decades. He noted that the revival of the Ujh Multipurpose Project reflects the government’s renewed focus on completing long-delayed national infrastructure projects.
He also referred to the Shahpurkandi Project, revived in 2019 and now nearing completion, saying both projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to optimising India’s water resources and delivering long-term benefits to the people.
The Minister observed that delays in implementing these projects had resulted in the waters of the Ravi River and its tributaries flowing into Pakistan. He said the Ujh project would help maximise utilisation of India’s share of river waters.
The Ujh Multipurpose Project, being developed on the Ujh River, a major tributary of the Ravi, is expected to generate 186–212 MW of hydroelectric power. It will provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land across Kathua and Samba districts in Jammu and Kashmir and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts in Punjab.
Besides irrigation, the project will supply drinking water to Kathua district and ensure water availability for industrial use, contributing significantly to regional development.
According to the government, the project is expected to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen water security, generate employment opportunities and accelerate the socio-economic development of the Union Territory.
The project also carries strategic importance from a national security perspective. Backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is expected to help regulate river flows and reduce vulnerabilities along cross-border infiltration routes in the riverbed.
Reviewing implementation milestones, Singh emphasised the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders and effective monitoring to ensure timely completion. He assured WAPCOS of the Centre’s full support for the successful execution of the prestigious project.
