Lucknow – The Uttar Pradesh government has kicked off a bold and inspiring campaign to bring 75 small rivers and tributaries back to life across the state. Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this initiative is being hailed as a game-changer for water conservation, ecological balance, and cultural heritage. With a mix of technology, community effort, and expert input, the Yogi government’s river restoration drive will set a new standard for environmental revival in India.
A Vision for Revival
The campaign aims to restore rivers that have been choked by silt, encroachments, and neglect. Many of these rivers, once lifelines for rural communities, have either dried up or lost their natural flow over the years. The UP government’s 75 river revival campaign is not just about cleaning water bodies—it’s about breathing life back into ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and reconnecting people with their natural heritage.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called this a “people’s movement” or Jan Andolan. “These rivers are not just water bodies; they are part of our culture and history. Reviving them is our duty to the land and future generations,” he said during a public address. The initiative builds on earlier efforts started in 2018 under the MGNREGA scheme but now takes a more structured, tech-driven approach.
Technology and Expertise at the Core
What makes this campaign stand out is its use of modern technology and collaboration with top institutions. Experts from IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU, IIT Roorkee, and BBAU Lucknow are working closely with the government to create detailed, river-specific plans. These plans consider geographical, ecological, and social factors to ensure long-term success. For example, remote sensing technology is being used to map river courses, like the Budhi Rapti in Shravasti, to identify blockages and restore natural flow.
The campaign involves 10 key departments, including irrigation, forest, and rural development, working together under divisional committees. These committees will monitor progress and ensure quality. “This is a coordinated effort, not a patchwork fix,” said a senior official. “We’re looking at everything—water quality, biodiversity, and year-round water availability.”
Community Power and Local Impact
The heart of the UP river revival drive lies in community participation. In Gonda, the Manorama River is being brought back through shramdaan (voluntary labor) from locals. The river, stretching 115 kilometers from Tirre Tal to the Kuwano River, had nearly vanished due to silt and encroachments. Now, with desilting, garbage removal, and tree plantation, it’s being restored as a source of pride for the region. “Manorama is our heritage. Bringing it back feels like reviving a piece of our identity,” said Neha Sharma, Gonda’s District Magistrate.
Similarly, in Ayodhya, the Tilodki Ganga River is being revived under the “One District, One River” plan. Work has already started on a 7-km stretch, with efforts to clear encroachments and restore the river’s original path. In Shravasti, the Budhi Rapti River’s restoration is set to boost irrigation for 54 villages, supporting sustainable farming.
A Model for the Future
The Yogi government’s river restoration drive is being praised as a model that other states could follow. By combining technology, community effort, and a focus on sustainability, the campaign addresses critical issues like water scarcity and environmental degradation. Restoration work includes building check dams, water harvesting units, and recharge pits to protect aquatic life and strengthen river catchments.
In Prayagraj, the Loni River’s revival is already benefiting 14 gram panchayats, while the Lapri and Karnavati rivers are flowing smoothly again. The government has allocated significant funds, like Rs 1.5 crore for the Loni River project, to ensure these efforts succeed.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the campaign is ambitious, challenges remain. Illegal sand mining, as highlighted by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta’s recent appeal to Yogi Adityanath, threatens rivers like the Yamuna. Encroachments and pollution also pose hurdles. However, the UP government is tackling these issues head-on with strict enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
As the campaign unfolds, all eyes are on Uttar Pradesh. With 75 rivers on the path to revival, this initiative could transform the state’s landscape, boost agriculture, and inspire a nationwide push for river restoration.
