New Delhi, 02 August (H.S.):

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the progress and phased implementation of the proposed Ujh Multipurpose Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. The project is expected to provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land, ensure drinking water supply to Kathua district, and extend irrigation benefits to the Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. It is also designed to generate between 186 and 212 MW of hydroelectric power.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, officials of WAPCOS Limited informed the Minister during the review meeting that the project is being implemented in phases. Construction work will begin after the completion of the remaining land acquisition process. Dr. Singh advised the implementing agency to adopt innovative solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Dr. Singh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several long-pending national infrastructure projects are being expedited. He noted that the Ujh Multipurpose Project was first conceived nearly a century ago but remained stalled for decades. Similarly, the Shahpur Kandi Project had remained pending for almost four decades. Because of delays in implementing these projects, a significant volume of Ravi River water continued to flow into Pakistan without being fully utilised by India.

He stated that the Shahpur Kandi Project was revived in 2019 and is now nearing completion. The revival of the Ujh Multipurpose Project in 2026, he said, reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the optimal utilisation of India's water resources for the benefit of its people.

The Minister further said that the project, located on the Ujh River, a tributary of the Ravi, will also help regulate water flow in the border region and strengthen security by reducing potential infiltration routes along the frontier.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar