Udhampur, Feb 18: As “Devika,” North India’s first river restoration project, was finished in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, excitement was building in the city. On February 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for a number of projects in Jammu and Kashmir. For the indigenous communities, the Devika River is extremely sacred and is regarded as the holy Ganga’s sister. Taking note of this, the government introduced the Devika Rejuvenation Project in 2019, modelled after the popular “Namami Gange” initiative. The initiative is being hailed by the people of Udhampur as the Devika River’s “rebirth.” The project promises possible economic benefits through sustainable tourism and local business prospects, in addition to environmental rejuvenation. After the project was completed, Udhampur resident Raghav Raine noticed notable changes in the Devika River. As we stand here in Devika today, I want to sincerely thank the people who have worked so hard to maintain these roads. I would want to express my gratitude to our Prime Minister Modi Ji, who visits every year on the 20th. This location has seen significant changes: what was before a jungle now has seating, and an event-specific open theatre has been built. This place was formerly dark, but with the addition of appropriate lighting, older people who were previously unable to enter owing to the darkness may now do so. This time, I am very looking forward to Modi Ji’s coming to Devika. I wonder what presents he will bring for us,” Raghav Raine remarked. Rohit Kumar, a college student, conveyed his appreciation for the city’s road construction.“I have observed numerous noteworthy alterations in the Devika River. There were no designated walkways when I used to visit this place, but now it has undergone full development. In the past, the river was heavily polluted. He added, “I also want to thank PM Modi for the development of the Devika River, our sacred site. Felmo Devi expects these improvements to lead to economic expansion. “It was difficult for me to believe when I first went because the Devika River was undeveloped. There were no appropriate routes.However, a major transformation has now occurred, and this will draw tourists in the future. In the future, we will also observe economic expansion. Significant changes have occurred, according to Felmo Devi. Udhampur native Tariq Shah emphasised how Prime Minister Modi’s ten-year rule has had a transforming effect, making the Devika River worth seeing. “Over the course of his ten years in office, Prime Minister Modi has changed our Devika River into something very remarkable. There is a statue of Lord Shiva, and a sizable number of people visit these days.There have been beautification initiatives put in place, with the Devika River’s cleanliness receiving particular focus. We hope that additional plans for Udhampur’s development would be announced when PM Modi inaugurates it. Since PM Modi’s arrival, Devika has seen waves of progress, according to Tariq Shah. The Devika River, often described as the Ganges’ sister, is another reason to visit Udhampur.The district of Udhampur’s official website states that the Nilmat Puran, penned by Nela Muni in the 7th century, mentions that the Devika River is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Parwati herself, providing benefits to the people of Mader Desha, which is the region between the rivers Chenab and Ravi. It is said that on Shiv Ratri, the Devika River arose. According to literature on the official District Udhampur website, “Lord Shiva himself is said to remain side by side with his consort Uma, manifesting in the form of Shiv Lingas at eight places alongside the Devika River.”
