Ishan river’s revival to boost green cover in Hathras, Etah, Mainpuri, Kannauj, and Kanpur Nagar

Lucknow : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is breathing new life into yet another river- the Ishan. The Ishan River, once dried up, clogged with silt, and encroached upon, has already started flowing again, bringing renewed hope to Hathras, Etah, Mainpuri, Kannauj, and Kanpur Nagar. The river’s complete rejuvenation is expected to bring a fresh wave of greenery and prosperity to these areas.

The Ishan river revival efforts reflect the state government’s commitment combined with the active participation of local residents. Acting on the CM’s directives, the State Clean Ganga Mission, Namami Gange, and the Rural Water Supply Department have launched intensive restoration efforts to rejuvenate the river. The broader campaign to restore small rivers across Uttar Pradesh is not just reviving local ecosystems, but is also boosting the well-being of farmers.

District Magistrate Prem Ranjan Singh said that the restoration of the 57-kilometer-long Ishan river will benefit farmers in 44 gram panchayats. Under the MGNREGA scheme, ponds were dug to support water conservation, while the Forest Department and District Ganga Committees planted trees along the riverbanks to promote greenery.

This revival was made possible by the clear vision and determination of CM Yogi Adityanath. By combining political will, administrative support, and community participation, the government has shown that even a dying river can be brought back to life. The restoration of the Ishan River is now seen as an inspiring model for the entire state.

Notably, the river enters Etah district at Nagla Godi village in the Nidhauli Kalan block. According to CDO Dr. Nagendra Narayan Mishra, it flows through 10 Gram Panchayats in Nidhauli Kalan, 4 in Sheetalpur, and 30 in Sakit, covering a total of 44 Gram Panchayats in Etah before passing through Mainpuri and Kannauj, eventually merging with the Ganga in Bilhaur, Kanpur Nagar.

The Yogi government’s efforts are breathing new life into the once-choked Ishan River. Cleared of encroachments and backed by technical support from the Irrigation and Minor Irrigation Department, along with drain cleaning by the Irrigation Drainage Division, the river is coming back to life.