Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has directed officials to expedite the implementation of the Ujh Multipurpose Project (UMP) in Jammu & Kashmir, describing it as a project of strategic, developmental and national importance. During a review meeting with officials of WAPCOS Ltd., the Government of India undertaking responsible for executing the project, the Minister emphasized timely implementation while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
The review focused on the project’s phased execution strategy, implementation milestones and the coordination required among different agencies to ensure that the long-awaited initiative is completed without unnecessary delays.
Phased Construction to Accelerate Progress
Officials informed the Minister that the project would be executed in phases, enabling construction work to begin without waiting for the completion of the entire land acquisition process. Acquisition of the remaining land will continue alongside construction activities, helping reduce delays and keep the project on schedule.
The implementing agency is simultaneously working on project site preparations and other technical requirements to ensure smooth execution.
Dr. Jitendra Singh encouraged WAPCOS to adopt innovative engineering and project management practices to accelerate implementation while ensuring that quality, safety and environmental standards are not compromised.
Reviving a Long-Pending National Project
Highlighting the significance of the Ujh Multipurpose Project, Dr. Jitendra Singh said it represents the government’s commitment to reviving infrastructure projects that remained stalled for decades.
He noted that although the project was originally conceived nearly a century ago, it remained pending for years. Similarly, the Shahpurkandi project had also witnessed prolonged delays before being revived by the present government.
According to the Minister, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several long-pending national projects have been brought back on track with renewed urgency, ensuring that critical infrastructure is finally delivered for public benefit.
Maximising India’s Water Resources
Dr. Jitendra Singh observed that delays in implementing projects on the Ravi River basin had allowed substantial volumes of water to continue flowing into Pakistan over the years.
He recalled that under the Indus Waters Treaty, the Ravi, Beas and Satluj rivers were allocated to India, with the Ravi being one of the principal rivers under the agreement. The Minister also noted that the Treaty is presently in abeyance, making optimal utilisation of India’s water resources even more significant.
He said the revival of both the Shahpurkandi Project and the Ujh Multipurpose Project reflects the government’s resolve to fully harness available water resources for irrigation, power generation and regional development.
Major Benefits for Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab
The Ujh Multipurpose Project is being constructed on the Ujh River, a major tributary of the Ravi. Once completed, it is expected to generate between 186 MW and 212 MW of hydroelectric power, contributing to clean energy generation in the region.
The irrigation component is expected to benefit nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land spread across Kathua and Samba districts in Jammu & Kashmir, along with Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab.
In addition to irrigation, the project will provide drinking water to Kathua district while also ensuring water availability for industrial use, supporting both urban and industrial expansion.
Officials believe the improved water infrastructure will significantly enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen water security and encourage investment and employment opportunities across the region.
Strategic Importance Beyond Development
Apart from its economic and developmental value, the project also carries strategic significance.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is supporting the initiative because it is expected to help regulate river flows along sensitive border areas. Better water management is also expected to reduce vulnerabilities associated with cross-border infiltration routes that emerge along dry or poorly regulated riverbeds.
The dual role of the project—as both an infrastructure asset and a security measure—adds to its national importance.
Focus on Timely Completion
During the review meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh examined implementation timelines in detail and stressed the need for seamless coordination among central agencies, implementing authorities and other stakeholders.
He called for continuous monitoring of project progress so that emerging challenges can be addressed promptly without affecting deadlines.
Assuring full support from the Government of India, the Minister reiterated that the successful completion of the Ujh Multipurpose Project would improve irrigation, enhance energy generation, strengthen water management and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of Jammu & Kashmir and adjoining areas of Punjab, while reinforcing India’s long-term water security objectives.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
