Ujh project revived after nearly a century: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has announced the revival of the long-pending Ujh Multipurpose Project, originally conceived in the 1920s by the then Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. A coordination working group, comprising officials from both the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Central government, has been formed to expedite the project.

Singh said the project has gained momentum due to the active involvement of the Union Home Ministry and the Defence Ministry, both of which are keen to push the project forward as a strategic measure to check infiltration through the Ujh River, which flows near the International Border (IB) in Kathua district.

He stated that once operational, the project will provide irrigation to up to 90,000 hectares of land. In addition, to prevent surplus water from flowing into Pakistan, an alternative plan is being jointly prepared by the governments of J&K, Punjab and the Centre.

The minister also provided an update on the Shahpur Kandi Project, another national-level initiative that had remained dormant for four decades. He confirmed that the final phase of the project would be completed by September 15, and water will begin flowing for power generation soon after.

Singh made these remarks while chairing a DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting in Kathua, where he also issued strict instructions to curb illegal mining activities in the district.

He expressed concern that unchecked illegal mining was threatening the structural integrity of crucial infrastructure projects, including the Keerian Gadiyal bridge and the expressway corridor.

“These are historic and nationally significant projects made possible through the direct intervention and patronage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It would be a matter of shame if such assets are compromised due to petty vested interests,” he said.

Singh directed the Kathua SSP and the District Mining Officer to submit a detailed report on illegal mining activities. He questioned why the maximum fine limit of Rs 50,000 for illegal mining had been reduced, which he said has emboldened offenders to continue illegal operations.

He emphasised that no one, regardless of political or administrative status, should be spared if found guilty of involvement in illegal mining. “Whether someone holds a high position or political office, action must be taken against them if they are found violating the law,” the minister asserted.