Kathua, August 30,2026- The Ujh Multipurpose Project in Kathua is being revived after decades, raising hopes of fulfilling a long-awaited development vision for the region and bringing renewed optimism to communities that have long anticipated its completion.
A Long-Awaited Vision Revived
First conceived several decades ago, the Ujh Multipurpose Project has remained largely on paper for years, with successive delays pushing back its implementation. Its revival now marks a significant milestone for the border district of Kathua, with authorities and residents alike viewing it as a transformative initiative capable of reshaping the region’s agricultural, economic, and social landscape.
The project envisages the construction of a dam and associated infrastructure on the Ujh river, a tributary of the Ravi, with the aim of harnessing its waters for irrigation, drinking water supply, industrial use, and power generation, benefiting a wide swathe of territory across two states.
Wide-Ranging Regional Benefits
According to project plans, the Ujh Multipurpose Project is expected to benefit not only Kathua and Samba districts in Jammu and Kashmir, but also Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts in neighbouring Punjab. The project is designed to provide irrigation facilities to nearly 90,000 hectares of agricultural land across these regions, offering a significant boost to farming communities who have long depended on rain-fed agriculture or limited irrigation infrastructure.
In addition to irrigation, the project is expected to supply drinking water and industrial water to the surrounding areas, addressing long-standing demands for reliable water access in the region. A proposed power house as part of the project is also expected to generate electricity, contributing to the region’s energy needs and potentially supporting further industrial development in the area.
Phased Implementation Underway
The project is being implemented in phases, with work on construction and the associated process of land acquisition progressing simultaneously. Officials have indicated that this phased approach is intended to ensure steady progress while addressing the logistical and administrative complexities involved in a project of this scale, including the resettlement and compensation processes associated with land acquisition in the affected areas.
Authorities overseeing the project have reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the land acquisition process, recognising the significance of maintaining local support and cooperation for the project’s long-term success.
Boost for Tourism, Employment and Local Economy
Beyond its core irrigation and water supply objectives, local residents and community leaders see considerable potential in the project for boosting tourism, employment, and overall economic growth in the region. The creation of a reservoir and associated infrastructure is expected to open up opportunities for recreational and tourism-related activities, while the construction phase itself is likely to generate employment opportunities for local residents.
Community members have expressed hope that the completion of the project could serve as a catalyst for broader economic development in Kathua, a district that has historically remained on the periphery of major infrastructural investment despite its strategic and agricultural significance.
Strengthening Border Management
Given Kathua’s location along a sensitive international border stretch, the project is also being viewed through the lens of strengthening border management in vulnerable areas. Improved infrastructure, increased economic activity, and better connectivity associated with the project are expected to contribute indirectly to the region’s overall security architecture, supporting the presence and operational efficiency of security forces stationed along the border.
A Transformative Undertaking for the Region
As work on the Ujh Multipurpose Project continues to progress, expectations remain high among residents and officials alike that its eventual completion will mark a turning point for Kathua and the wider region, addressing long-standing developmental needs while unlocking new opportunities for growth across the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.