Devika River Project
Devika River Project
Suggestions for the development of Devika river project at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir will be taken by the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region. Local people are comparing this project with ‘NamamiGange Project’.
Key points:
- The work of Devika river project was started in March 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). 190crores ruppees will be invested in this project.
- In this scheme, a bathing ghat (site) will be developed on the banks of DevikaRiver. Encroachments on the river will be removed, natural water bodies will be re-established and catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground.
- Three sewage treatment plants, 27 km of sewerage drains, development of two cremation grounds, wire fencing and landscaping for safety, low capacity hydro power plants and three solar power plants have been included under this project.
- Upon completion of this project, there will be a reduction in the pollution of this river and many related rivers and there will be an improvement in the quality of the water.
Devika River
- It originates from the ‘Pahari Song’ (Suddha) Mahadev temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and joins the Ravi River flowing in western Punjab (now in Pakistan).
- According to a religious belief, this river is recognized by the Hindus as the sister of the Ganges River.
- It may be noted that Devikabridgein Udhampur was constructed in June Along dealing with traffic congestion through this bridge, Indian Army convoys and vehicles have got smooth passage.
National River Conservation Plan
- The National River Conservation Plan launched in the year 1995 is a centrally funded scheme. Its aim is to reduce pollution in rivers.
- All the programs related to the conservation of rivers are being implemented through the ‘National River Conservation Plan’ and the ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority’ (NGRBA).
Underlying Activities under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP):
- Work to prevent raw sewage falling into the river from open drains, change in its direction etc.
- Establishment of sewage treatment plant to treat sewage water.
- Construction of low cost toilets on river banks to prevent open defecation.
- Construction of electric crematoriums and improved wooden crematoriums to preserve the use of wood and to ensure proper cremation of dead bodies.
- Improvement of bathing ghats like river bank development work and public awareness and public participation.
- Human Resource Development (HRD), capacity building, training and research in the field of river conservation.
Source: PIB
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