Minister of State for Education and Tourism, Priya Sethi today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the multipurpose project proposed to be developed at the confluence of the tributaries in river Ujh is presently being updated by the Central Water Commission (CWC) to incorporate fresh investigations and studies.Replying to the Calling Attention Notice moved by MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia, the Minister informed that a team constituted by the Advisory Committee of the Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation for fresh study, submitted the report to CWC recommending certain revisions to explore alternate options for the project with reduced submergence/ displacement along with minimum loss of power and irrigation benefits so that the potential of east flowing rivers is utilized as per the Indus Waters Treaty. The Minister said that during the visit of the Advisory Committee to the site early last year, it was decided that the reduction in the submergence/ displacement can be achieved only through reduction in the dam height, which in turn hasa bearing on the command area.
“Accordingly, the J&K I&FC Department was approached to identify and firm up the Culturable Command Area, so that final recommendations of the constituted team can be firmed up,” she added. The Minister said that the information was forwarded to the Central Water Commission, who was requested to work out the project alternatives, while ensuring minimum submergence/ PAFs and maximum utilization of available water for irrigation and power generation purposes.The Minister said that in its final report, the team has recommended that keeping in view the Benefit Cost ratio, area under submergence, installed capacity etc, FRL of 608 m, appears to be optimal, which has also been agreed to by the JKSPDC.‘The team in its report has recommended that the dam height shall be 110 m, the corresponding submergence area and number of affected houses will be 34.493 sq km and 1698 respectively. The installed capacity will be reduced to 162 MW,” she said adding that the team has further recommended that the dam and other appurtenant structures should be constructed with FRL as 608 m, but the actual reservoir level can be progressively decided based on development of command and actual consumptive use within India.The Minister further informed that the seismic studies for the project are being carried out by the Geological wing of the Corporation through IIT Roorkee.