After ODOP Success, Yogi Government Launches ‘One River, One District’ Project With Help From IITs; Work Begins in Shravasti, Basti

The government of Uttar Pradesh has initiated efforts to rejuvenate one minor river in every district of the state. To accomplish this, they have enlisted the help of three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and several other technical institutes. These institutions will conduct studies focusing on channelisation, course correction, and ensuring a continuous water flow, according to officials.

Approximately a month ago, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed the district magistrates across all 75 districts to devise a strategy to revitalise at least one river in each district, after the success of 'One District One Product' (ODOP). Under this plan, the government intends to chart the rivers from their source to their 'final confluence' point.

A monitoring committee at the divisional level, led by the corresponding divisional commissioner, has been established to supervise the execution and standard of the work. The onus of formulating a collaborative action plan for this initiative has been placed on the districts, the Indian Express reported.

Leading institutions, including IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU, IIT Roorkee, and BBAU Lucknow, are providing technical knowledge for the revival initiative. These institutes are devising river-specific strategies after conducting comprehensive studies on geographical, ecological, and social aspects, according to the statement.

The authorities stated that the strategy requires each district to develop a comprehensive cleaning plan for the specific river stretch within their territory. In addition, they will investigate methods to rejuvenate the water flow and preserve related water resources such as ponds and check dams.

The initiative has already begun efforts to rejuvenate the Budhi Rapti river in Shravasti, which is believed to span approximately 67 km. Information indicates that the river's alignments are being charted with the use of remote sensing technology. The Manorama river, which begins in Gonda and flows into the Kuwano in Basti District, is another waterway where restoration work has commenced.