The River Devika project, which is set to be completed by June 2022, has recently been in the news. The project, which cost over Rs 190 crore, began in March 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). Once completed, it will see significant improvements in the water quality of the Devika River and reduction in pollution.
The River Devika Project
The River Devika Project aims to develop bathing ghats on the riverbanks, remove encroachments, restore natural water bodies, and develop catchment areas alongside a cremation ground. It also plans to build three sewage treatment plants and a sewerage network spanning 129.27 km. Two cremation ghats will be developed, along with protection fencing and landscaping. Moreover, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants will also be established.
Devika River’s Significance
The Devika River, originating from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, holds significant religious importance. Hindus revere it as the sister of the Ganga River, another major river in India. It flows down towards western Punjab, now in Pakistan, where it merges with the Ravi River. In June 2020, Devika Bridge was inaugurated to ease traffic congestion and smooth the passage for Army convoys and vehicles in Udhampur.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
Launched in 1995, the NRCP is a centrally funded scheme that aims to prevent river pollution. It works alongside programs under NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority), which has been replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga, also known as the National Ganga Council. Both initiatives work in harmony to promote river conservation.
Activities under NRCP
The NRCP covers activities that directly or indirectly contribute to river conservation. These include Intercepting and Diverting works to capture raw sewage that flows into the river through open drains, and diverting it for treatment. Sewage Treatment Plants are constructed for treating the diverted sewage. Low Cost Sanitation works are carried out to prevent open defecation on riverbanks. Electric crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria are promoted to conserve wood usage and ensure proper cremation. The program also includes River Front Development works such as improving bathing ghats, promoting public awareness and participation, Human Resource Development (HRD), capacity building, training and research in the area of River Conservation. Other miscellaneous works depend upon location-specific conditions, including interfacing with the local human population.