Udhampur: Devika river rejuvenation project completed

Udhampur, February 18

Excitement is brewing as North India’s first river rejuvenation project—Devika— was completed in Udhampur on Sunday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various projects in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for February 20.

First in North India

• North India’s first river rejuvenation project —Devika—was completed in Udhampur on Sunday
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the project on February 20
• Residents of Udhampur are hailing the project as a “rebirth” for the Devika river
• The project not only promises environmental rejuvenation but also potential economic benefits

The Devika river, considered the sister of the holy Ganga, holds immense religious importance for local communities. Recognising this, the government launched the Devika Rejuvenation Project in 2019, drawing inspiration from the successful “Namami Gange” programme.

Residents of Udhampur are hailing the project as a “rebirth” for the Devika river. The project not only promises environmental rejuvenation but also potential economic benefits through sustainable tourism and local business opportunities.

Raghav Raine a local from Udhampur, reflecting on the project completion, witnessed significant changes in the Devika river. “Today, we stand in the city of Devika, and I express heartfelt gratitude for the work carried out here. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Modi, who is scheduled to visit on February 20th. Significant developments have taken place here; what was once just a jungle now has seating arrangements, and a special open theatre has been constructed for events. Previously, it was dark here, but now there is proper lighting, making it accessible for elderly individuals who couldn’t come before due to the darkness. I am very excited about Modi Ji’s visit to Devika this time, wondering what gifts he might bring for us,” Raghav Raine said.

A college student, Rohit Kumar, expressed his gratitude for the roadwork carried out in the city. “I have witnessed a multitude of significant changes in the Devika river. When I used to come here before, there were no proper pathways, but now there is complete development. The river was highly polluted in the past. I also want to express my gratitude to PM Modi for the development of our religious place, the Devika river,” he said.

Felmo Devi anticipates economic growth resulting from these positive changes. “When I first visited, it was hard to believe because there was nothing developed around the Devika river. There were no proper pathways. But now, a significant revolution has taken place, and in the times to come, tourists will be attracted here. We will also witness the economic growth in future. There have been substantial changes,” Felmo Devi said.

Tariq Shah, a local from Udhampur, said, “Nowadays, a considerable number of people visit, and there’s even a statue of Lord Shiva. Beautification efforts have been implemented, and special attention is given to the cleanliness of the Devika river. We have high hopes that when PM Modi inaugurates it, there will be additional arrangements for the development of Udhampur. The waves of development have been visible in Devika since the arrival of PM Modi.”

According to the official website of Udhampur district, the details there say that the Nilmat Puran, written in the 7th century by Nela Muni, mentioned that the Devika river is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Parwati herself, benefiting the people of Mader Desha that covers areas between the rivers Ravi and Chenab. The Devika river is said to have appeared on Shivratri.

“Lord Shiva himself is said to remain side by side with his consort Uma, manifesting in the form of Shiv Lingas at eight places alongside the Devika river,” per the information on Udhampur district official website.