Lucknow: In a major push for water conservation, the Uttar Pradesh government has successfully rejuvenated 50 rivers covering 3,363 kilometres through joint efforts under the Namami Gange programme and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
As part of the initiative, small rivers and streams were revived across 1,011 Ganga Gram Panchayats. According to an official statement, these water bodies were cleaned and restored to their natural flow, resulting in improved groundwater levels and reduced water scarcity for farmers.
Additionally, 86 new projects have been identified under MGNREGA for further work on river cleaning, deepening, embankment construction, stream restoration, and watershed development.
The state has also undertaken intensive plantation drives at 894 locations, especially along riverbanks. These trees not only help strengthen embankments but also prevent soil erosion.
In a further boost to rural water security, the government has constructed or reinforced 3,388 ponds, significantly enhancing water storage capacity across the state.
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