What is Project Devika? Know its religious significance and key features

New Delhi: Project Devika, which is about to be completed soon, is North India’s first river rejuvenation project dedicated to restore the ecological and cultural vitality of the river Devika. The project became headlines after Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh conducted an on-site review and finishing touches on the project. The project is in its final stage and will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon its completion.

What is Project Devika? Inspired by the Namami Ganga campaign, the rejuvenation project was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019 with an aim of protecting the purity and health of the river Devika. This is a first-of-its-kind river rejuvenation project undertaken in the northern state of India. As a part of the project, the government decided to spread a network of pipes and develop manholes connecting all houses across the Union Territory.

One of the main objectives of the project is to ensure the efficient disposal of liquid waste, reduce environmental pollution and maintain the sanctity of the river. The project is being carried out by the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) of Jammu and Kashmir. Project development cost The project is planned to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 190 crore.

The fund is being shared in the ratio of 90:10. While 90 per cent of the fund is allocated by the center, 10 per cent is allocated by the Union Territory. Features of the project Notably, the project also includes the development of three sewage treatment plants of 8 MLD, 4 MLD, and 1.

6 MLD capacity. Additionally, a sewerage network of 129. 27 km has also been planned under the project for proper ejection of households waste.

Moreover, two cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants will also be developed under the project. It is stated that the river will witness a reduction in pollution and an improvement in water quality after the completion of the project. Apart from a Liquid Waste Management Project, a Solid Waste Management (SWM) project is also scheduled to be constructed under the Devika Rejuvenation Project, which will play a significant role in restoring the original identity of the river.

A well-structured solid management system is required for the prevention of environmental degradation and enhance the overall health of the river and its surrounding areas. Religious significance of the river Devika Originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, the river Devika flows down towards western Punjab, which is now situated in Pakistan, where it merges with the Ravi River. River Devika is considered the sister of the sacred river Ganga and it holds great religious significance.

Thus, the government of India launched a separate project focusing on Liquid Waste Management (LWM) to safeguard the sanctity of the holy river in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Nilmat Puran, written in the 7th century by Nela Muni, the river Devika is a manifestation of the mother Goddess Parwati herself for the shake of the residents of Mader Desha, spreading an area between the rivers Ravi and Chenab. It is believed that the river Devika appeared on Shiv Ratri.

The success of the project at grassroots levels is ensured by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The involvement of PRIs bolsters community engagement, promotes ownership, and fosters sustainable development practices. Additional development Additionally, the bridge on the River Devika in Udhampur, which was completed by the Border Roads Organisation within 15-months, was inaugurated in June 2020.

The bridge over the river enhances connectivity and provides seamless traffic movement for commuters. Additionally, the bridge also provides smooth passage for Army convoys and vehicles. .