Project Devika

Recently, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology sheds light on the progress of the River Rejuvenation Project, Devika. The Devika Rejuvenation Project is nearing completion as of August 2023, with substantial progress achieved in restoring the Devika River’s ecological and cultural vitality. This initiative, inspired by the Namami Ganga campaign, aims to safeguard the sacred Devika River’s purity and health.

What is Project Devika?

Project Devika aims to rejuvenate Devika River. It is North India’s first river rejuvenation project.
It was launched in 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
Under the project, bathing “ghats” (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed, encroachments will be removed, natural water bodies will be restored and catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground.
The project also includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants, development of two cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants.
On completion of the project, the rivers will see reduction in pollution and improvement in water quality.

About Devika River

Devika river originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi river.
The river holds religious significance as it is revered by Hindus as the sister of river Ganga.
In June 2020, Devika Bridge was inaugurated in Udhampur.

What is the importance of the Devika River?

The Devika River finds its source at the Suddha Mahadev temple in the hilly terrain of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir. From there, it flows westward into the Punjab region, ultimately merging with the Ravi River, which is now located in Pakistan.
This river holds profound religious significance, especially among Hindus, who regard it as the sister of the revered river Ganga.
In June 2020, the inauguration of the Devika Bridge in Udhampur addressed not only traffic congestion issues but also aimed to facilitate the smooth movement of Army convoys and vehicles.

What is the significance of the Devika river?

The Devika river runs down from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district to western Punjab (now in Pakistan), where it merges with the Ravi river.
The river has religious importance because Hindus regard it as the Ganga’s sister.
Devika Bridge in Udhampur was inaugurated in June 2020. Apart from taking care of traffic congestion, Devika Bridge was also meant forthe smooth passage of Army convoys and vehicles.

What is meant by the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)?

The NRCP is a centrally funded scheme that was launched in 1995 with the goal of preventing river pollution.
River conservation programs are being implemented through the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and the NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority).
The NGRBA has been replaced by the National Ganga Council, also known as the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of the River Ganga.

Activities under NRCP:

Interception and Diversion works to capture the raw sewage flowing into the river through open drains and divert them for treatment.
Low Cost Sanitation works to prevent open defecation on riverbanks.
Electric Crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria to conserve the use of wood
River Front Development works such as improvement of bathing ghats.
Public awareness and public participation.

MCQs about Project Devika

Question 1: What is the primary objective of Project Devika?

a) To build a hydroelectric dam on the Devika River
b) To improve the agricultural productivity along the banks of the Devika River
c) To develop a new transportation route using the Devika River
d) To rejuvenate and restore the ecological and cultural vitality of the Devika River

Question 2: When was the Devika Rejuvenation Project launched?

a) 2005
b) 2010
c) 2019
d) 2021

Question 3: What is the religious significance of the Devika River?

a) It is believed to be the origin of the river Ganga
b) It is considered the holy river of the Sikh community
c) It is revered by Hindus as the sister of the river Ganga
d) It is associated with ancient Buddhist rituals

Question 4: What is the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) aimed at?

a) Promoting water sports activities along rivers
b) Preventing river pollution and conserving rivers
c) Enhancing tourism in riverfront areas
d) Establishing new water transport networks

Question 5: What was the purpose of inaugurating the Devika Bridge in Udhampur in June 2020?

a) To facilitate the movement of vehicles across the Ravi River
b) To improve water quality in the Devika River
c) To enhance religious tourism along the Devika River
d) To address traffic congestion and facilitate Army convoys

Read also:- Major Rivers in India

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