Ujh Barrage opens for boating

JAMMU: On your next day out, make sure that you decide to include Ujh Barrage of Kathua district on your list, as it has been opened for boating.
“We are making all our efforts to explore adventure and recreational avenues for tourists in Jammu. Ujh Barrage is a famous picnic spot already and introduction of boats will add a new facet to its tourism profile. Moreover, it will help in providing employment opportunity to local youth,” says Nagendra Singh Jamwal, CEO Surinsar Mansar Development Authority.
Pertinently, Ujh Barrage located in the Kathua district was commissioned in 1980-81 for irrigation facility for the local farmers. It is also the site for a national-level multipurpose project catering to hydropower, irrigation and drinking needs - first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir. Jasrota wildlife sanctuary found on the banks of Ujh River adds to its serenity.
“It has given a reason to rejoice not only to the people of Kathua or Jammu division, but the people who come to this place from other parts of the country,” remarks Dinesh, a resident of Kathua.
In a meeting held recently, Naveen K Choudhary, former Principal Secretary Tourism J&K, had directed the CEOs to explore possibility and feasibility of boating in different water bodies of Jammu on Surinsar model, seek requisite permissions from concerned departments, and engage local unemployed youth for operating boats.
Jamwal, when he was CEO Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority, had thus requested the concerned authorities in December 2019, for granting permission for operating boats in a designated zone of the Ujh Brrage area.
Following which, Er Ashok Kr Sharma, Chief Engineer, Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex, in a letter dated 15th January 2020, has granted permission for paddle boating in Ujh Barrage, which is approximately 3 hectares with an average depth of 1.00 meters, besides listing down certain relevant conditions that need to be fulfilled by the applicant.
He writes, the applicant has to fill the application form, accompanied by non-refundable fee of Rs 1000. He has to mention – Type of material used for the construction of the boat or vessel (wooden or any other material); Size of the boat or vessel; Capacity of the boat or vessel (number of passengers including crew or weight of goods and crew); Mode of operation of the boat or vessel (manual or mechanically driven); Purpose of plying the boat or vessel (water taxi/trading/sports); Period of operation of boat or vessel along with timing of operation complete details; Certificate of fitness of the boat or vessel (issued by the competent authority); Environment clearance from Wildlife department (competent authority).
“To keep the ecology of the place in check, strict adherence to norms is required. Further, eight boats and a hooter to warn any unusual changes in the water level have been suggested,” mentions Nagendra Singh Jamwal.
“Water bodies of Jammu have great potential to become big recreational spots. Tourism Department should work to provide enough facilities for boating, water skiing, and aquatic sports and make good use of these bodies. Development of even one destination leads to development of other destinations located nearby, and hence, the total tourism potential of the region,” says Iqbal, a local of Jammu, hoping that all the formalities are completed soon and people can enjoy boating in Ujh Barrage.