Environment Ministry sanctions project for abatement of pollution in Jammu and Kashmir rivers

The Environment Ministry has sanctioned a project for abatement of pollution in Devika and Tawi rivers at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir, which is scheduled for completion by March 2021.

The ministry said completion of the project would have a significant and direct beneficial impact in terms of reduction of pollution load on the two rivers and improvement in their water quality.

"As full sewerage system will be laid in the town and its entire sewage will be treated, the project will improve the aesthetics and sanitation conditions in Udhampur and support the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan towards ensuring cleanliness in the town," it said.

The project has been sanctioned to supplement the state government's efforts in pollution abatement at identified stretches of various rivers through National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on a cost-sharing basis between the Centre and State governments.

The total sanctioned cost of the project is Rs 186.74 crore, which will be shared between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government on 90:10 cost-sharing basis. The Centre's share in the project will be Rs 166.86 crore while that of the state government will be Rs 18.08 crore.

The Urban Engineering and Environment Department (UEED) is the implementing agency of the project.

"The major components under the project include laying of 129.27 km of sewer lines (which will ensure full sewerage system in Udhampur town), setting up of three sewage pumping stations and construction of three sewage treatment plants (STPs) of 13.60 million litres per day (mld) capacity," the ministry said.

The project will also cover non-sewerage works relating to riverfront development in a length of around 340 metres at three bathing ghats, including Mela Ghat (where there is mass gathering during religious festivals/events), construction of two improved wood crematoria to minimise wood consumption and ash disposal, as well as public awareness activities.

"The main reason for the pollution of Devika and Tawi rivers in Udhampur is a discharge of untreated sewage from the town. Presently, no sewerage system and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) exists in Udhampur.

"The project for pollution abatement of the Devika and Tawi rivers in Udhampur under NRCP has been sanctioned by the Ministry on September 28, 2018," the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies.)