Govt drive revives 2 more lost rivers in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: Under the ongoing drive to revive and revitalise rivers in the state, work on the Suaon river in Balrampur and the Tedhi river in Bahraich has shown successful results.

The work, taken up under the ‘One District-One River' programme, saw massive public participation to bring these rivers back to life. Work was generated for locals under MNREGA at both sites, which included desilting, plantations, etc.

Balrampur district magistrate Pawan Agarwal said that the Suaon, stretching over 121-km, was blocked for years and was also known as the Suaon nullah. "In order to restore the river, 49 sites were identified, out of which work has already begun at 25 locations and planning for the remaining 24 sites is in the final stage. The project has set a target of 45,747 man-days, with 13,749 man-days of work already completed," Agarwal said.

The DM said that the nagar palika parishad was carrying out river cleaning and repairing of drains on a war-footing. Silt and waste that were blocking the river's flow were being removed with the help of machines and workers. The forest department also undertook a plantation drive along the riverbanks to restore ecological balance and develop greenery along the river.

Meanwhile, a similar pattern was being followed with the Tedhi river in Bahraich. DM Monika Rani said that the 38 km-long river lost its original form due to years of neglect, but the administration brought in public participation to help with its restoration. "Activities like cleaning both riverbanks, removing bushes, desilting, and clearing the water flow are being carried out to restore the river. The revival of the Tedhi will not only improve irrigation and water conservation but also help restore ecological balance in the region," she said.

Devipatan divisional commissioner Shashi Bhushan Lal Sushil said that efforts were on to revive rivers facing extinction across the four districts of the division. While efforts were on to restore the Suaon and Tedhi rivers, the Budhi Rapti river in Shravasti and the Manorama river in Gonda began to flow again in their original form.