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Recent initiatives in Uttar Pradesh have led to the remarkable revival of several long-forgotten rivers. Among them, the Noon River in Kanpur district once choked by water hyacinth and debris has been brought back to life through an intensive restoration campaign. This effort is part of a broader statewide mission aimed at rejuvenating at least one river in each of the state’s 75 districts, combining traditional wisdom, modern technology, and active community involvement to restore waterways and improve local ecosystems.

Occurrence Of rivers

Over the years, many rivers in the state either dried up or were reduced to stagnant drains due to encroachments, indiscriminate dumping of waste, and invasive species like jal kumbhi (water hyacinth). These issues blocked natural water channels, degraded water quality, and destroyed aquatic life. The Noon River had nearly disappeared, with its riverbed shrinking and drying under these pressures.

Statewide River Rejuvenation Programme

The initiative, launched about two years ago, gained momentum after the Saryu Mahotsav in 2024. The Chief Minister set a clear goal—“one district, one river.” Committees were formed in each district, comprising experts from forestry, agriculture, irrigation, and fisheries. Using satellite mapping, drone surveys, and remote sensing tools, officials identified blocked stretches and mapped natural river paths to plan targeted interventions.

Restoring Noon River

Stretching 48.5 km across 34 gram panchayats, the Noon River was surveyed using both historic records and new technology. Roughly 24 km of its course required extensive clearing. Local villagers contributed through shramdaan (voluntary labour) and MGNREGA, helping remove hyacinth, debris, and accumulated waste. Private companies, through CSR funding, provided machinery for heavy-duty work. The entire restoration cost around Rupees 1.22 crore, most of which went towards MGNREGA wages.

Community Involvement And Gains

Initially, mobilising villagers was difficult, but women’s groups played a crucial role in spreading awareness and rallying support. Senior officials, including the District Magistrate, joined villagers in clean-up efforts. The river’s revival has already improved irrigation facilities, reduced field flooding, and strengthened farmers’ livelihoods. It also created additional rural employment, generating more MGNREGA man-days than usual.

Obstacles And Technical Solutions

Key challenges included illegal encroachments, industrial waste dumping, and construction debris obstructing the river’s flow. Experts mapped and restored floodplains, cleared illegal structures, and planted vegetation buffers with help from the forest department. Unlike earlier attempts that relied on superficial desilting, this initiative adopted a comprehensive, long-term approach.

Results And Way Forward

So far, nearly 50 rivers across Uttar Pradesh have been rejuvenated some after decades of neglect. Rivers once dismissed as mere drains are now acknowledged as essential water resources. The success of this programme stems from its scientific mapping, inter-departmental collaboration, and grassroots participation. This model is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar river restoration projects in other states.

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