Beautification work at Devika River in J-K's Udhampur to boost tourism, increase employment

In a bid to increase the footfall of tourists and boost employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur, the beautification work around Devika river is underway at war footing. The project namely, 'Devika Rejuvenation and Beautification' has been taken up under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), being executed by Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) and its estimated cost is INR 190 crore. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019 laid the foundation stone of the project aimed at reducing pollution of Rivers Devika and Tawi under the NRCP. Earlier this year, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh had visited the site of the Devika Rejuvenation Project. He had said that the River Devika National Project in Jammu and Kashmir is going to reflect our collective pride and faith, and will be the first-of-its kind in North India. In June last year, Dr Singh had also inaugurated the Devika Bridge in Udhampur. Apart from taking care of traffic congestion, the bridge is also meant to help smooth passage of Army convoys and vehicles. The locals have lauded the government and concerned authorities that have undertaken the work. Rohit Sethi, a resident of Udhampur said, "The beautification work will mesmerise the tourists. The footfall in Udhampur will also increase as people will come to see the Devika River, just like people visit Haridwar for the holy Ganga river. A huge statue of Lord Shiv has also been installed here. " Sunil Paroch, another local said, "After visiting Devika Ghat, I felt that I am not in Udhampur but in Haridwar. Because of this beautification work, the tourist flow will increase here. The locals and youths will also get employment." Udhampur is popularly known as 'Devikanagri', said Anil Arora, Councillor of Ward no. 10, Udhampur. The Devika river holds great religious significance as it is revered by Hindus as the sister of river Ganga. "For the past 2.5 years, the beautification work has been going on. Nearly 80- 85 per cent work has been completed. The deadline for finishing the work is December. The face of Devika has completely changed. I thank the Prime Minister for sanctioning this ambitious project worth INR 194.85 crore," Arora said. Under the Centrally funded INR 190 crore NRCP Devika project, bathing 'ghats' (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed, encroachments will be removed, natural water bodies will be restored and catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground.