Devika rejuvenation project to be completed by June: Dr Jitendra

Udhampur, Feb 13: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Dr Jitendra Singh said here Sunday that the historic River Devika project, built at the cost of over Rs 190 crore, will be complete by June this year. North India’s first river rejuvenation project will offer a unique destination both for pilgrim tourists as well as recreation tourists, in addition to being a state-of-the-art cremation centre, he said. This will bring Udhampur prominently on India’s map, he added.
Comparing it with the pioneer “Namami Gange” project of the Central Government, Dr Jitendra Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning the Devika project, which was formally launched by Modi during his visit to Jammu in early 2019. He said, it is now the responsibility of all of us to accomplish this project by June this year at any cost.
The project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants of 8 MLD, 4 MLD and 1.6 MLD capacity, sewerage network of 129.27 km, development of two cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants. On completion of the project, the rivers will see reduction in pollution and improvement in water quality.
Later, speaking to media after presiding over the DISHA meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the country’s first Highway Village being constructed by NHAI is coming up on fast track on Udhampur National Highway and the Centrally funded Medical College will start its classes next year through NEET selection.
Udhampur-Kathua-Doda is possibly the only Lok Sabha constituency in the country which got three centrally funded Medical Colleges in Udhampur,Kathua and Doda respectively with the efforts of Dr Jitendra Singh as its MP.
To review the physical/Financial achievements of the programme/schemes being implemented in the District Udhampur covered under DISHA , Dr Jitendra Singh chaired a District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee Meeting (DISHA) at Conference Hall DC Office Complex Udhampur.
DDC Chairperson, Udhampur Lal Chand, DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas, Pathania, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Indu Kanwal Chib, SSP, Vinod Kumar, BDCs, President MC, Dr Jogeshwar Gupta, MC Ramnagar, MC Chenani, DDCs and other nominated members of DISHA Committee i. e. PRIs, Women, representatives of ST, SC,NGO besides District/Sectoral Officers of different departments attended the meeting on the occasion.
Threadbare discussion were held on various schemes being implementing in different sectors of the District like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, NRLM, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana,National Social Assistance Programme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Awaas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchaye Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, PMKSY, Soil Health Card, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban (PMAYU),Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMAYG), 14th FC, MGNREGA, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Status of Chenani –Sudhmahadev (NH-244), Status of Medical College, Status of Degree Colleges, PWD,Financial status under CSS ( District Capex budget 2021-22), PMGSY, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, Distribution of soil health cards, Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana, PMKSY, Status of ongoing projects, DILRMP, PMMVY, Poshan Abhiyan, Education, FCS&CA, Network Problems, Beautification of National Highways and Tunnel, PMGSY/CRF Roads, National Highways & Local Employment, Jal JeevanMission, Scaling up of New initiatives, Proper Supply of Electricity, etc discussed in detail.