UP govt rolls out strategy to revive rivers

Lucknow, Jul 10 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday said it has adopted a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to revive rivers across the state.

Under this initiative, each river will be mapped from its point of origin to its final confluence, and all relevant districts will be responsible for preparing and implementing a joint action plan.

"The aim is not only to restore the natural flow of rivers, but also to conserve water quality, availability, and biodiversity in a sustainable manner," the government said.

Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, all departments and district administrations concerned have been instructed to take prompt and coordinated action, according to a statement.

"The plan includes technical interventions, such as de-silting, channelisation, and course correction, to ensure the uninterrupted flow of water," it said.

"Additionally, encroachment-free buffer zones will be created, and dense tree plantations will be carried out along riverbanks," it added.

As part of this strategy, all districts through which a river flows from its origin to its confluence will share collective responsibility for its rejuvenation, according to the statement.

Each district will be required to draft a detailed plan focused on cleaning its stretch of the river, restoring water flow, and conserving associated water sources, it stated.

Joint efforts will include renovation of ponds, construction of check dams, and development of water harvesting structures in the catchment areas.

Connected pond chains will also be identified and preserved.

The government said that the administrative units of all relevant districts will develop a unified action plan.

"High-tech interventions will be employed for de-silting and correcting the river course. Schemes for dense afforestation along riverbanks and water conservation in the catchment areas will be implemented," it said.

"Infrastructure such as check dams, recharge pits, and water storage units will be developed. Preservation of traditional water bodies and tree plantation along riverbanks will be mandatory," it added.

This holistic river revival model will complement major initiatives, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange, while also promoting rural development, agriculture, and animal husbandry, the government said.

The year-round flow of rivers will help recharge groundwater levels and support environmental sustainability across the state, it added. PTI KIS MNK MNK