Important for UPSC Prelims: Economy
Context
- The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, reviewed the implementation status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project (UMP) in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir.
About Ujh Multipurpose Project (UMP)
| Project Name | Ujh Multipurpose Project (UMP) |
| Location | Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir |
| River | Ujh River – a major tributary of the Ravi River |
| Implementing Agency | WAPCOS Ltd. (A Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) |
| Project Type | Multipurpose River Valley Project |
| Implementation | Phased implementation with simultaneous land acquisition |
Key Objectives
- Provide irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land.
- Supply drinking water to Kathua district.
- Ensure industrial water availability for the region.
- Generate hydroelectric power.
- Strengthen water security in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Promote regional economic development and socio-economic progress.
- Enhance border management by restricting unregulated river flows and vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes.
Major Features
1. River Basin
- Constructed on the Ujh River, a significant tributary of the Ravi River.
2. Irrigation Potential
- Will irrigate around 90,000 hectares of land in:
- Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu & Kashmir
- Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab
3. Hydropower Generation
- Expected installed capacity:
- 186 MW to 212 MW
4. Drinking & Industrial Water
- Drinking water supply for Kathua district.
- Industrial water availability to support regional industrial growth.
Link with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- Under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960), Ravi, Beas and Sutlej are allocated for the exclusive use of India.
- Ravi is one of the three Eastern Rivers under the Treaty.
- The project aims to maximise utilisation of India’s allocated waters before they flow downstream.
Conclusion
The Ujh Multipurpose Project is a strategically important initiative that will enhance water security, irrigation, hydropower generation and border management while ensuring optimal utilisation of India’s share of Ravi River waters under the Indus Waters Treaty.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC What is Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), 1960 |