Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on 6 August said, North India’s first River Rejuvenation Project “Devika” in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, is almost complete.
The work on the project was started in March 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
Dr. Jitendra Singh also informed that besides a Liquid Waste Management Project, a Solid Waste Management Project will also be constructed under the Devika Rejuvenation Project, which is vital from many aspects to protecting the sanctity of Devika River.
Under the project, bathing “ghats' ' on the banks of the river developed, encroachments removed, natural water bodies restored and catchment areas developed.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
The Devika River holds religious significance as Hindus revere it as the sister of the Ganga. Also known as Devika Nagari, it originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur and flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan), where it merges with the Ravi River.