River Devika, Tawi prestigious project of national importance: MoS Jitendra

Srinagar: Union Minister of State PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh Saturday chaired a review meeting on Pollution abatement of river Devika and Tawi in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) through video conferencing.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Dheeraj Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Piyush Singla, Chief Engineer, UEED Jammu besides district officers of various departments and line agencies, consultant Engineers and contractors.
Speaking on occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh maintained that this project is of national importance and is among the prestigious projects of the Central Government announced by the Prime Minister himself. He asked the contractors and other executing agencies to expedite the work on the project so that it can be completed within the stipulated time frame.
Dr. Singh while highlighting the importance of the project said the project would have a significant and direct beneficial impact in terms of reduction of pollution load on the two rivers and improvement in their water quality.
He directed the officers to carry review of the project on daily basis and asked them to work in coordination while executing the project. He urged upon the executing agencies to maintain the quality of work besides expediting the progress of work on said project.
While speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary, H&UD said the project has been sanctioned to supplement the J&K government’s efforts in pollution abatement at identified stretches of various rivers through National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on cost-sharing basis.
The Principal Secretary informed the meeting that the total sanctioned cost of the project is Rs 186.74 crore, which will be shared between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government on 90:10 cost-sharing basis. He added that the construction works is divided into three zones and the work is going on smoothly at all the sites.
Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur informed the meeting that project is being monitored on regular basis by the Project Monitoring Committee besides regular on spot inspections are also being carried out at the sites of work.
On the occasion a detailed power point presentation was given by the UEED about the progress on various works being executed under the project.
It was given out that the major components under the project include laying of 124.22 kms of sewer lines (which will ensure full sewerage system in Udhampur town), setting up of three sewage pumping stations and construction of three sewage treatment plants (STPs).
The project will also cover non-sewerage works relating to river front development in a length of around 340 metres at three bathing ghats, including MelaGhat (where there is mass gathering during religious festivals/events), construction of two improved wood crematoria to minimize wood consumption and ash disposal, recreational park, renovation of old heritage structures besides public awareness activities.
On the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh also held a virtual site inspection of the project to assess the progress of work. He also interacted with some locals and civil society members during the virtual site inspection.
Pertinently due to this project, a full sewerage system will be laid in the town and its entire sewage will be treated, the project will improve the aesthetics and sanitation conditions in Udhampur and support the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.