CM Yogi’s initiative revives Balrampur’s Suaon and Bahraich’s Tedhi rivers

Lucknow : After years of near extinction, Balrampur’s Suaon river and Bahraich’s Tedhi river are flowing once again, revived under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ‘One District, One River’ campaign. Launched to rejuvenate Uttar Pradesh’s fading rivers, the initiative blends administrative resolve with community participation, showcasing a model of collective environmental stewardship. With CM Yogi’s direction, officials have taken targeted restoration steps, while local villagers have actively contributed through voluntary labour (shramdaan).

Devipatan Divisional Commissioner, Shashi Bhushan Lal Sushil, said that, following CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision, efforts are being made to revive rivers facing extinction across the four districts of the division. As a result, the Budhi Rapti river in Shravasti and the Manorama river in Gonda have begun to flow again in their original form. Meanwhile, work to restore the Suaon river in Balrampur and the Tedhi river in Bahraich is progressing rapidly.

Balrampur District Magistrate Pawan Agarwal mentioned that under the ‘One District, One River’ campaign, the Suaon river was selected for restoration in Balrampur. This river, stretching over 121 hectares in length and covering 320.61 hectares, had been blocked for years. Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, the revival work started on mission mode.

The DM further informed that 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.

He said that the Nagar Palika Parishad is carrying out river cleaning and repairing of drains on a war footing. Silt and waste that were blocking the river’s flow are being removed with the help of machines and workers. The Forest Department is also conducting a plantation drive along the riverbanks to restore ecological balance and develop greenery around the river.

Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani said that the work to revive the extinct Tedhi River in the district is progressing rapidly, in line with CM Yogi Adityanath’s vision. The 38-kilometre-long river had lost its original form due to years of neglect by previous governments. Now, efforts are underway to bring it back to life with public participation.

She informed that 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 river will not only improve irrigation and water conservation, but also help restore ecological balance in the region.

CM Yogi Adityanath is personally monitoring the progress of this campaign. He believes that conserving water resources is not just the government’s responsibility but requires public involvement. This is why the river revival campaign in Uttar Pradesh has been shaped into a social movement.