UP rejuvenates 50 rivers, boosts water conservation under Namami gange and MGNREGA

Lucknow, Jul 16 (PTI) In a major push for water conservation, the Uttar Pradesh government has successfully rejuvenated 50 rivers spanning 3,363 kilometres through the joint efforts under the Namami Gange programme and MGNREGA.

As part of the drive, small rivers and streams have been revived across 1,011 Ganga Gram Panchayats.

According to an official statement, these water bodies were not only cleaned but also restored to their natural flow, leading to a noticeable rise in groundwater levels and easing water scarcity for local farmers.

In addition, 86 more projects have been identified under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for river cleaning, deepening, plantation, embankment construction, stream restoration and watershed development.

The state government has also undertaken intensive plantation drives at 894 locations, especially along riverbanks. These trees help strengthen embankments and prevent soil erosion, the statement added.

The state has constructed and reinforced 3,388 ponds, significantly increasing water storage capacity in rural areas. PTI COR CDN SMV HIG