Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has made substantial headway in river rejuvenation and rural water management through coordinated efforts under MGNREGA and the Namami Gange programme.
As part of this drive, 50 dried or endangered rivers, stretching 3,363 kilometers, have been revived across the state, benefiting both the environment and rural livelihoods. The campaign has led to the restoration of small rivers and seasonal streams across 1,011 Ganga Gram Panchayats.
This includes cleaning channels, removing encroachments, and enabling natural water flow. Groundwater levels in affected areas have shown noticeable improvement, easing water scarcity and helping farmers access better irrigation.
In parallel, 86 river-related projects have been undertaken under MGNREGA. These include desilting, embankment strengthening, river deepening, watershed development, and stream restoration, all of which aimed at improving long term water retention and flood prevention.
Afforestation has also played a key role in the broader initiative. Plantation drives at 894 identified sites, particularly along riverbanks, are helping reduce soil erosion, reinforce embankments, and enhance local biodiversity.
These tree-covered buffer zones are expected to improve climate resilience and offer environmental benefits over time. Another critical aspect of the campaign involves the construction and strengthening of 3,388 ponds across rural Uttar Pradesh.
These water bodies serve multiple purposes including irrigation, livestock care, and drinking water also provide essential support to rural communities facing seasonal drought or water stress. The broader impact of these interventions extends beyond water management.
In many places, the revival of local rivers has led to renewed cultural and community activity along riverbanks, encouraging public participation in conservation. The integrated approach is also creating rural employment, supporting sustainable development, and promoting ecological balance across the state.
