Devika River Project: J&K

  • IASbaba
  • June 7, 2021
  • 0
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Devika River Project: J&K

Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II – Policies and interventions and GS-III – Infrastructure

In news

  • Recently, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region has asked for suggestions for the Devika River project in Udhampur, J&K.
    • This project is compared with the Namami Gange Project.

About Devika River project 

  • This is a Rs. 190 crore Project.
  • The work on the project was started in March 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
  • Under the project, 
    • Bathing “ghats” (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed,
    • Encroachments will be removed
    • Natural water bodies will be restored 
    • Catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground
    • Small hydropower plants and three solar power plants shall also be developed.
  • The project will lead to reduction in pollution and improvement in water quality.

About Devika River

  • Devika river originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi river.
  • The river holds religious significance as it is revered by Hindus as the sister of river Ganga.
  • In June 2020, Devika Bridge was inaugurated in Udhampur. 

About National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)

  • It is a centrally funded scheme 
  • Launched in 1995 
  • Aim: Preventing the pollution of rivers.
  • Programs for river conservation are being implemented under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority).
  • Activities under NRCP:
    • Interception and Diversion works to capture the raw sewage flowing into the river through open drains and divert them for treatment.
    • Low Cost Sanitation works to prevent open defecation on riverbanks.
    • Electric Crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria to conserve the use of wood 
    • River Front Development works such as improvement of bathing ghats.
    • Public awareness and public participation.

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