By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The strategically significant Ujh Multipurpose Project (MPP) in Jammu and Kashmir has gained fresh momentum, with Union Minister of State for PMO Dr Jitendra Singh directing officials to expedite its implementation so that its benefits reach the people at the earliest.
Reviewing the status and phased implementation roadmap of the project in Kathua district, Dr. Singh held a detailed meeting with officials of WAPCOS Ltd., a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which has been entrusted with executing the ambitious project.
The minister stressed the need for timely execution while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency. He also urged WAPCOS to adopt innovative implementation strategies to ensure the project is completed without delays.
The Ujh Multipurpose Project, coming up on the Ujh River, a major tributary of the Ravi, is expected to emerge as a key infrastructure project for Jammu. Once completed, it will generate between 186 MW and 212 MW of hydroelectric power, significantly enhancing the region’s renewable energy capacity.
The project will also transform agriculture by providing irrigation to nearly 90,000 hectares of farmland across Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts of Punjab. In addition, it will supply drinking water to Kathua district and ensure water availability for industrial use, strengthening the region’s long-term water security.
Officials said the project is expected to improve agricultural productivity, support industrial growth, create employment opportunities and accelerate the socio-economic development of the Union Territory.
Apart from its developmental significance, the Ujh Multipurpose Project also has a crucial strategic dimension. Backed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the project is expected to regulate water flows more effectively and help plug vulnerable cross-border infiltration routes along the riverbed, thereby strengthening border management and national security.
With its combined focus on power generation, irrigation, drinking water supply, industrial development and border security, the Ujh Multipurpose Project is being viewed as one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives for the Jammu region in recent years. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Centre remains committed to ensuring that the project is implemented in a time-bound manner to unlock its full developmental and strategic potential.