Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Sunday that the long-delayed Ujh multipurpose project will be implemented in phases, aiming to expedite the utilization of India‘s water resources. The project, conceived nearly a century ago, has faced decades of stagnation, a situation mirrored by the Shahpurkandi project, which has been pending for approximately four decades. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the delay in the Ujh project has led to the unchecked flow of Ravi river waters and its tributaries into Pakistan.
During a detailed meeting in New Delhi, Minister Singh reviewed the status and the phased implementation roadmap for the Ujh multipurpose project, situated in the Kathua district. He met with officials from WAPCOS Ltd, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been tasked with the project’s execution. Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the imperative for swift implementation to ensure the benefits of this strategically vital project reach the populace at the earliest opportunity. He urged WAPCOS to explore innovative solutions and implementation strategies while upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.
Sources indicate to Tahir Rihat that the project’s execution will proceed in a phased manner. Construction activities will commence concurrently with the ongoing process of land acquisition for the remaining areas, thereby avoiding any delays associated with the complete acquisition of land. The agency responsible for implementation is also in the final stages of finalizing the project site and associated requirements. The Minister highlighted that even under the existing Indus Waters Treaty, the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers are designated as India’s three rivers, with the Ravi holding primary significance among them. He further noted that the treaty is currently in abeyance.
Dr. Singh stated that the revival of the Shahpurkandi project in 2019, which is now nearing completion, and the planned revival of the Ujh project in 2026, underscore the government’s commitment to completing long-pending projects. This initiative aims to optimize the use of India’s water resources and deliver tangible benefits to the people. The Ujh multipurpose project, located on the Ujh River, a significant tributary of the Ravi, is designed to generate between 186 MW and 212 MW of electricity. It is projected to provide irrigation to approximately 90,000 hectares of agricultural land across the Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. Additionally, the project will ensure a supply of drinking water to Kathua district and guarantee industrial water availability.
The successful implementation of the Ujh project is expected to bolster agricultural productivity, enhance water security, foster new avenues for economic development, and contribute to the overall socio-economic progress of the Union Territory. The project also carries significant security and border management implications, with support from the Ministry of Home Affairs to regulate water flows and secure vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes along the riverbed. Dr. Jitendra Singh meticulously reviewed the implementation milestones and emphasized the critical need for close coordination among all stakeholders and effective monitoring mechanisms to guarantee the project’s timely execution. He assured WAPCOS of the government’s unwavering support and cooperation for the successful and timely completion of this prestigious undertaking.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.