DC Kathua reviews status of clearances

Ujh Multipurpose Project

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Oct 7: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey today chaired a meeting to review the current status of Ujh Multipurpose Project.
At the outset, DC Kathua exhorted the stakeholders viz RTIC, JKPDC and Revenue to pace up the process concerning their departments. He said the project has huge significance as it will cater to the water and power needs of Kathua and Samba districts.
The DC informed that JKPDC being a Nodal Agency for the project has to ensure early finalisation of DPR after thorough assessment of the areas being affected by the project so that necessary course of action with regard to revenue matters could be taken up.
It was given out in the meeting that NOC for Stage-1of the project has been received and the DPR of the project is awaiting approval from Central Water Commission (CWC). Once approval of DPR is accorded by CWC, the same shall be sent to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF& CC).
The DC further enjoined upon the stakeholders to carry out the accurate assessment and adherence to the conditions laid down by concerned authorities including the site specific study for ecological impact on fish species in consultation with Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) as mandated by MoEF& CC.
The ADC Billawar was asked to complete the process of of mutation of state land under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
The DC further directed XEN RTIC Kathua to ensure early release of the amount due in lieu of areas pertaining to the forest department falling under the project.
Pertinently, the Ujh Multipurpose Project after completion will create the irrigation potential of 91,073 hectare alongwith power generation capacity of 89.50 MW with an estimated cost of Rs. 11,907 cr.
The meeting was attended by ACR Kathua Sandeep Seointra, CPO KathuaUttam Singh, XEN JKPDC, XEN RTIC and ADC Billawar, Tehsildars of Billawar and Basohli joined virtually.