Jammu: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the long-pending Ujh Multipurpose Project has finally received approval, describing it as a historic milestone. He said the Ministry of Home Affairs has extended crucial support to the project in view of national security considerations, as the Ujh river has been identified as a vulnerable point for infiltration.
Dr Singh said the project is expected to significantly enhance irrigation capacity and contribute to overall regional development.
He noted that the project was originally conceived nearly a century ago but remained stalled for decades due to administrative and financial constraints.
Dr. Singh said that sustained efforts over the past 13 years helped resolve issues arising from cost escalation.
Highlighting progress on the Shahpur Kandi Barrage, Dr Singh said that the national project is nearing completion, and it is expected to be commissioned within a month.
He made a series of key announcements aimed at accelerating development in Jammu and Kashmir while chairing the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at DC Office in Kathua district.
He recalled that the foundation stone of the barrage was laid by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the early 1980s, but the project remained pending for decades.
Dr Singh said the project was revived following the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Jammu in 2019.
The Minister stated that the ShahpurKandi Barrage, along with the Ujh Multipurpose Project, will provide surplus irrigation to border districts of Kathua and Samba in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Pathankot and Gurdaspur in Punjab.
Dr. Singh informed that the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway is progressing at a rapid pace, and it will soon be opened up to Vijaypur in Samba district.
He added that construction work on the remaining stretch up to Katra is underway, and it is expected to be completed in the coming months.
In a major boost to sports infrastructure, the union Minister announced that the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office has approved the transfer of additional land for the construction of the Arun Jaitley International Stadium at Hiranagar.
He said the project will facilitate the development of modern sports facilities and create new opportunities for youth in the region.
Referring to the West Asia Situation causing energy crisis across the world, Dr. Singh announced that the work for laying a pipeline to supply Piped Natural Gas (PNG) up to Kathua will be completed within the next six months.
The project will be undertaken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and is expected to provide a reliable and environment-friendly energy source to households.
During the DISHA meeting, the Minister directed officials to strengthen coordination with elected representatives by keeping the concerned MLAs actively involved in matters related to water supply, power distribution, and road connectivity.
The Minister also took note of the poor condition of the strategic Dhar Road.
He instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate corrective action and ensure that potholes on the road are filled without delay.
Expressing concern over illegal mining, the Minister said it is posing a serious threat to public infrastructure, including the foundation of prestigious bridges and other critical assets.
On PM SVANidhi, the Minister urged MLAs to create awareness about the scheme in their respective constituencies.
Dr Singh also stressed the need to promote the PM Surya Ghar scheme among the public so that more households can adopt solar energy.
