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.
