Ujh Multipurpose Project Review: Boosting Irrigation, Power in J&K
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh reviewed the status and phased implementation roadmap of the Ujh Multipurpose Project in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir. The project, stalled for decades, has been revived under the Modi government to utilize Ravi river waters effectively. It aims to provide irrigation, drinking water, and power generation, with strategic border security benefits.
Background
The Ujh Multipurpose Project was conceived about a century ago but remained neglected for decades. Similarly, the Shahpur Kandi project was stalled for nearly four decades. Both were revived under PM Modi's leadership, with Shahpur Kandi restarted in 2019 and Ujh in 2026. The projects aim to prevent Ravi river waters from flowing unused to Pakistan.
Key facts
The Ujh Multipurpose Project is being implemented by WAPCOS Limited, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The project will be executed in phases, with land acquisition continuing simultaneously without waiting for full acquisition.
It will provide irrigation water for about 90,000 hectares of land in Kathua and Samba districts of J&K and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab.
The project will supply drinking water and water for industries to Kathua district.
It is designed to generate approximately 186 MW to 212 MW of power.
The project is built on the Ujh River, a major tributary of the Ravi River.
The Ministry of Home Affairs supports the project to prevent uncontrolled water flow and close sensitive infiltration routes across the border.
The project is expected to boost agricultural productivity, improve water security, and create economic opportunities in the region.
The Shahpur Kandi project, restarted in 2019, is now nearly complete.
The Ujh project was restarted in 2026.
Prelims pointers
- Ujh Multipurpose Project: Located on Ujh River, tributary of Ravi River, in Kathua district, J&K.
- WAPCOS Limited: Under Ministry of Jal Shakti, implementing agency.
- Indus Water Treaty: Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas are India's rivers under the treaty; currently suspended.
- Shahpur Kandi Project: Restarted in 2019, nearly complete.
- Ravi River: One of the three eastern rivers allocated to India under the Indus Water Treaty.
- J&K and Punjab districts involved: Kathua, Samba, Pathankot, Gurdaspur.
- Power generation capacity: 186-212 MW.
- Irrigation coverage: ~90,000 hectares.
- Ministry of Home Affairs support for border security.
- Phased implementation strategy.
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in border areas; water sharing and international treaties.
- GS3: Infrastructure development, water resources management, and energy security.
- Discuss the significance of reviving stalled projects for regional development and national security.
- Critically examine the role of the Indus Water Treaty in India's water utilization and the impact of its suspension.
- Analyze the socio-economic benefits of multipurpose river projects in border regions.