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Context

• North India’s first river rejuvenation project ‘Devika’ is in the final stages and it will be soon dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

About Devika Project

• Launched in February 2019, the project is modelled after "Namami Ganga."
• This is the first river rejuvenation project in north India.
• The project is being carried out in Jammu and Kashmir alongside the Devika River.
• It is a part of the National River Conservation Project (NRCP) of the Indian government.
• As part of the project, catchment areas and cremation grounds will be created, encroachments will be eliminated, natural water bodies will be restored, and bathing "ghats" (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be constructed.
• Built at a cost of over Rs 190 crore, the sharing of fund allocation is in the ratio of 90:10 by the centre and UT, respectively.
• On completion of the project, the rivers will see a reduction in pollution and an improvement in water quality.
• It will offer a unique destination both for pilgrim tourists as well as recreation tourists, in addition to being a state-of-the-art cremation centre.

Key Facts about Devika River:

• Devika River is considered the sister of the sacred river Ganga, and it has great religious significance.
• Course: It originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It flows down towards western Punjab (now in Pakistan), where it merges with the Ravi River.
• As it appears and disappears in many places, Devika is also known as Gupt Ganga.

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