Stalled for 100 years, Ujh multipurpose project to start soon: DrJitendra Singh

Jammu, May 24: Union Minister of State in PMO DrJitendra Singh on Sunday announced that the J&K’s Ujh multipurpose project, stalled for the last 100 years, would start soon, bolstering irrigation facilities in the region and containing infiltration – a crucial security concern.

“Its (Ujh multipurpose project’s) revival will be very critical from the security point of view as well. Stalled Ujh project had emerged as a major infiltration point. Its revival, after having remained stalled for almost a century, will not only strengthen irrigation facilities but will also check infiltration from across the border,” the Union Minister said, asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 brought a visible change in the mindset in J&K, spurring growth and inclusive people-oriented development.

He was responding to media queries after addressing a J&K BJP training camp under the PanditDeendayalUpadhyayPrashikshanMahabhiyan–2026 at Lakhanpur in Kathua district on Sunday. He asserted that it was important to mention Shahpur-Kandi dam among achievements during the last 12 years as the project remained stalled for the last 40 years.

DrJitendra mentioned that the foundation stone of the project was laid by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 but its file did not see any progress during subsequent Congress regimes.

“Things started moving and the project was revived after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu in February 2019 and announced its resumption. Though we had been fighting for its resumption for long yet in vain. The project picked up pace only after PM Modi took over the reins of the country for the second time in 2019. Now it is almost complete,” the Union Minister of State in PMO said. In the same breath, he said – another heartening news for J&K residents, related to the Ujh multi-purpose project which would see its revival very soon. Responding to another question, DrJitendra said that the daughters of Kathua were excelling in different streams of life across the country. “More visible changes will be there for all to see in the near future as the youngsters from J&K are breaking all barriers and excelling across India,” he said while tracing fast pace development across sectors in J&K during the last 12 years. Earlier while addressing the party gathering during the training camp, DrJitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences besides being the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, said that abrogation of Article 370 led to revival of development with reorientation of mindset in Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the transformative changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

DrJitendra said, “The abrogation of Article 370 brought not only developmental transformation in Jammu and Kashmir but also a profound change in mindset, giving people the feeling of belonging as equal citizens of India. This resulted in renewed self-confidence, self-esteem and aspirational resurgence among the people.” He observed that in recent years, young boys and girls from Jammu and Kashmir overcame their fears and excelled in various fields across the country. He described Article 370 as contradictory to democratic values and a tool that enabled exploitation by vested interests.

DrJitendra pointed out that although interviews for several government posts had been abolished nationally from 2016, the reform could not be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir due to Article 370. He also referred to the issue of regional discrimination in earlier years, noting, “The people are now witnessing positive changes.” Highlighting the journey of governance since 2014, the Minister said the country had moved from an atmosphere of pessimism, negativity and corruption towards optimism, development and nation-building. He remarked that the last 12 years significantly enhanced India’s value and standing.

Remembering the contribution of DrSyama Prasad Mookerjee, DrJitendra said the Modi government ensured that he (Mookerjee) received due recognition by naming the Chenani–Nashri tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir after him – the first major project in the region to bear his name. Listing key development initiatives in Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir, he referred to the upcoming Biotech Park in Kathua, stating that it would enable around 25 entrepreneurs to generate employment opportunities. He noted that three out of the 14 medical colleges established in J&K were located in Kathua district. DrJitendra highlighted the establishment of two AIIMS institutions in the Union Territory and said Prime Minister Modi had accorded special priority to the region in view of the neglect it had suffered under earlier regimes.

Speaking about sports infrastructure, he said efforts were underway for the development of an international stadium at Hiranagar on around 300 kanal of land, with discussions being held with the J&K administration regarding land transfer. He lauded the success of the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was creating remarkable opportunities for livelihoods and entrepreneurship. He asserted that the present dispensation at the Centre completed several unfinished projects left pending by previous governments.

Dr Jitendra further informed that a 3000 MW power project was proposed in Kishtwar, which was expected to become one of the country’s largest power plants. Calling the present phase of governance both a matter of pride and a responsibility, the Union Minister urged people to maximise the opportunities created by good governance and work collectively towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence that future generations would look back with pride and gratitude for the work accomplished during this period.