KATHUA, JULY 13: Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inspected progress on Shahpur Kandi Project here at Basantpur in Keerian Gandial block of Kathua.
At the outset, Dr. Singh informed that the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the implementation of Shahpur Kandi Dam Project on river Ravi at an estimated cost of Rs 2715.70 crore and will be completed by 2022.
“Some of the water of the River Ravi at present is going waste through the Madhopur Headworks downstream to Pakistan. Whereas, there is requirement for the same for use in Punjab and J&K. Implementation of the project would minimize such wastage of water by constructing canal to carry water to Haryana, Rajasthan or some other States,” Dr. Singh said.
He further informed that the implementation of this project will also generate employment for both skilled and unskilled youth and a committee will be constituted to scrutinize the genuine applicants.
“Uninterrupted progress is the mantra of Union Govt. led by PM, Narendra Modi and not only Shahpur Kandi but Ujh Multipurpose Project, Seed Processing Plant and two bridges, one over Basantar and another over Ujh River will transform the development landscape of Kathua,” Dr Singh said.
He also stated that PMGSY III phase will start soon but with a distinction that the proposal for new roads will be sent by Sarpanch concerned in consultation with the Gram Panchayat and directions for the same has also been issued to the concerned Deputy Commissioner.
Chief Engineer, Water Sources Department Punjab, S K Saluja on the occasion said that this project will irrigate 5000 ha of land in Punjab and 32172 ha in J&K, covering Kathua and Samba districts.
He further said that the project will be implemented by Punjab Govt. with Central assistance and the project has the potential of changing fortunes of farmers as the vast rain fed area of J&K will have irrigation facility besides provide relief to water stressed areas.
DC Kathua, Dr. Raghav Langer, ADDC, Dr. Shubra Sharma, SSP, Shridhar Patil, ACD, ADC Basholi, Engineers and BDO Keerian Gandial and other concerned officers were also present on this occasion.
