- Work is being done in Ujjain under Simhastha 2028

Bhopal, 30 May (H.S.) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually perform the bhoomi pujan for development works of the Water Resources Department worth Rs 863.69 crore at a programme organized at Jamboori Maidan, Bhopal, on 31 May.The projects include the construction of ghats along the Kshipra River for Rs 778.91 crore, and the construction of a barrage, stop dam, and vented causeway for Rs 84.78 crore.

These initiatives are part of extensive development efforts in Ujjain to ensure convenient and seamless bathing facilities for devotees during Simhastha 2028, in the clean and uninterrupted flow of the sacred Mokshadayini Kshipra River.

Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat informed that for the convenience of devotees along the Kshipra River in Ujjain district, approximately 30 km of ghats will be constructed on both banks, from Shani Mandir to the Nagda bypass, at an estimated cost of Rs 778.91 crore. The project is targeted for completion by December 2027. In addition, the Water Resources Department will construct nine barrages on the Kshipra River — one each in Ujjain and Indore districts, and seven in Dewas district. The Ujjain Municipal Corporation will also undertake the repair of the Kaliadeh stop dam. Furthermore, 11 barrages will be built on the Kanh River — five in Ujjain district and six in the Indore district. The total estimated cost for these works is Rs 84.78 crore.

Other works under Simhastha 2028

Kanh Diversion Close Duct Project on the Kanh River on an estimated cost of Rs 919.94 crore. Under this project, it is proposed to divert the polluted water of the Kanh River outside the Ujjain city limits into the Kshipra River through the construction of an 18.5 km cut-and-cover duct and a 12 km tunnel. The contract for the project was executed on 15 March 2024, and the work is scheduled to commence soon, with a targeted completion date of September 2027. Sevarkhedi–Silarkhedi Medium Irrigation Project on an estimated cost of Rs 614.53 crore.

As part of the project, a barrage will be constructed on the Kshipra River at Sevarkhedi village in Ujjain district. Water will be pumped into the proposed Silarkhedi reservoir and released back into the Kshipra River as needed. This project aims to ensure a clean and uninterrupted water supply to Ujjain city, particularly during religious festivals, in line with the sentiments of devotees, and will also support drinking water needs. The project is targeted for completion by 2027.

All works related to Simhastha 2028, with a total estimated cost of Rs 2,398 crore, are targeted to be completed by December 2027, well before the commencement of Simhastha 2028, by ensuring timely approvals and execution.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi