Introduction
- North India’s first river rejuvenation project, ‘Devika’, is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated by Prime Minister.
About Project ‘Devika’
- Initiation: Launched in February 2019 by the PM, the project is modelled after the ‘Namami Ganga’ initiative.
- Demand: The project, long demanded for renovation and rejuvenation, gained momentum after 2014, marking a significant development in river rejuvenation efforts in North India.
- Project Execution: The Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) of J&K is responsible for the LWM project’s construction.
- Cultural Importance: The Devika River, revered as the sister of the sacred Ganges, holds great religious significance, particularly in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir.
Key Features
- Liquid Waste Management (LWM): A separate LWM project is being implemented to maintain the river’s sanctity, involving a network of pipes and manholes connecting households.
- Solid Waste Management (SWM): Alongside LWM, an SWM project is integral to preserving the river’s sanctity.
- Infrastructure Development: The project includes three sewage treatment plants, a 129.27 km sewerage network, the development of cremation ghats, protection fencing, landscaping, and the establishment of small hydropower and solar power plants.
