Jharkhand to Launch Eco-Restoration Drive for Urban Rivers

Ranchi: Jharkhand is set to begin a major eco-restoration initiative with the rejuvenation of rivers flowing through five key urban centres. 

Under the central government’s Urban River Management Plan (URMP), rivers in Adityapur, Chas, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Sahibganj (Rajmahal) have been selected for the first phase.

The programme is part of the River Cities Alliance (RCA), which focuses on ensuring clean and free-flowing rivers across India. In Jharkhand, the project will cover activities such as cleaning river water, strengthening sewage treatment, developing riverfronts, plantation drives, and creating eco-friendly environments along riverbanks. Key rivers, including the Ganga, Damodar, Kharkai, Harmu, and Swarnarekha, are expected to benefit.

At a state-level workshop, Jharkhand Urban Development and Housing Department Secretary Sunil Kumar said that each city faces unique challenges, requiring tailored river management plans. Kumar also underlined ongoing state-level programmes for river conservation, restoration, and beautification. He stated that rivers remain a priority in urban development, with work already underway on riverfront development, sewage treatment plants, plantations, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Suraj Kumar, Director of the Namami Gange Project in Jharkhand, emphasised that urban local bodies must ensure public participation while preparing river management plans. He stressed the need for engaging citizens, NGOs, and institutions to make the initiative sustainable.

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