Lucknow, July 14, 2025 — In a major step toward ecological restoration and water conservation, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched an ambitious initiative to revive 75 small rivers and tributaries across the state. This initiative, aligned with broader goals of sustainable development and rural empowerment, aims to address water scarcity, restore biodiversity, and enhance agricultural productivity.

Originally initiated in 2018 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the programme has evolved into a well-structured, multi-stakeholder campaign. The revival effort involves coordinated action among ten government departments, including Irrigation, Minor Irrigation, Panchayati Raj, Forest, Horticulture & Food Processing, Fisheries, Urban Development, Water Resources, Rural Development, and Revenue.

A distinctive feature of the campaign is its partnership with premier technical institutions. Renowned engineering and environmental science institutes are contributing scientific expertise to conduct geo-hydrological, ecological and social assessments. These studies are forming the basis of river-specific revival plans, tailored to local topographies and ecological requirements.

The campaign’s technical approach focuses on four key interventions: cleaning and desilting of riverbeds, construction of water channels to ensure uninterrupted flow, development of rainwater harvesting systems, and extensive plantation drives along riverbanks. These measures aim to improve water retention, prevent soil erosion, support groundwater recharge, and restore natural ecosystems.

To ensure effective execution and monitoring, divisional-level oversight committees led by divisional commissioners have been established. These committees are responsible for maintaining quality control, assessing progress, and facilitating inter-departmental coordination. Additionally, district-level Ganga committees are being activated to promote community participation and generate local ownership of the projects.

The initiative also supports rural employment generation by leveraging MGNREGA to employ local labour for desilting, afforestation, and civil works. This dual objective of ecological restoration and job creation makes the campaign socially impactful and economically sustainable.

In parallel, the state has intensified its efforts under the Van Mahotsav initiative, having already planted over 37 crore saplings along the banks of major rivers. This afforestation drive complements the river revival programme by stabilising banks, improving microclimates, and increasing carbon sequestration.

Government officials have emphasised that reviving small rivers is not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic move to mitigate the effects of climate change, increase agricultural resilience, and secure water sources for future generations. They believe that through community involvement, scientific planning, and administrative accountability, the initiative will serve as a model for river rejuvenation in other regions of India.

By integrating technology, governance, and grassroots participation, the Uttar Pradesh government’s river revival initiative represents a forward-looking strategy for environmental sustainability. The project is expected to make a significant impact on water availability, local livelihoods, and long-term ecological balance across the state.

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