Lucknow: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh’s campaign to revive its endangered rivers is proving to be a resounding success, bringing greenery and prosperity back to rural areas. In a landmark achievement, nine small rivers in the Rampur district have been successfully rejuvenated, benefiting millions of farmers across more than 100 Gram Panchayats. This restoration effort has brought life back to the Nahal, Hatiyari, Saijani, Neeli, Aril, Naiya, Revati, Baigul, and Chougja rivers, leading to a return of lush landscapes and thriving crops in the Bilaspur, Chamraua, Milak, Saidanagar, Shahabad, and Swar development blocks.
Historic Revival of the Nahal River
The revival of the Nahal river stands out as a historic achievement for Rampur. This 75-kilometer-long river, which flows through 43 Gram Panchayats in the Milak, Chamraua, and Saidanagar development blocks, had been without a water flow for 60 years. “Acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, we undertook the restoration of the Nahal river,” said Chief Development Officer Nand Kishore Kalal. “For the first time in six decades, local farmers have witnessed the river flowing again.” The project created over 1.5 lakh man-days under the MGNREGA scheme, providing employment to more than 2,500 families.
Sub-Surface Dam Technique Used for the First Time in UP
To ensure the success of the river revitalization project in Rampur, a novel technique—the sub-surface dam—was employed for the first time in Uttar Pradesh. This innovative method, previously used primarily for rivers in South India, was successfully implemented on the Sainani river. “This technique allows groundwater to rise to the surface, revitalizing the river flow,” Kalal explained. The result has been a restored water flow and fertile land in the surrounding areas.
Naiya, Aril, Neeli, and Revati Rivers Also Rejuvenated
The project has successfully revived several other rivers, creating thousands of jobs in the process:
- Naiya River: A 14-kilometer stretch of the river in the Swar block was restored, creating 42,648 man-days and providing jobs for 465 families.
- Aril River: The 15-kilometer Aril river in the Shahabad block was rejuvenated, generating 4,260 man-days.
- Neeli River: This 12-kilometer river in the Chamraua block was restored, creating 36,000 man-days and employing 620 families.
- Revati River: The 12-kilometer Revati river, also in the Chamraua block, saw its flow restored, generating 27,000 man-days and providing employment for 545 families.
“Where Rivers Flow, Prosperity Returns”
The restoration efforts are being spearheaded by the State Clean Ganga Mission, the Namami Gange project, and the Rural Water Supply Department. Their concerted efforts have breathed new life into dried-up rivers, bringing prosperity back to the lives of farmers.
“In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the saying ‘where rivers flow, prosperity returns’ is coming to life,” said an official. The rejuvenation of Rampur’s rivers has not only improved groundwater levels and irrigation facilities but also significantly boosted local employment. This initiative is not just beneficial for ecological balance but is also a powerful driver for strengthening the rural economy.
