Yogi Govt Launches Revival of Budhi Rapti River in Shravasti
Revival of the Budhi Rapti river in Shravasti district in Uttar Pradesh! (Image UP Info Dept)
67-km river to be rejuvenated under statewide mission; project aims to benefit 54 villages
By AMIT KUMAR
LUCKNOW, July 11, 2025 — In a major push towards water conservation and sustainable agriculture, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has initiated the revival of the Budhi Rapti river in Shravasti district as part of its ambitious state-wide campaign to rejuvenate vanishing rivers.
The restoration of Budhi Rapti marks a milestone in the state’s mission to revive more than 100 extinct and degraded rivers, aiming to restore natural water flows, tackle water scarcity, and rejuvenate rural ecology.
🔹 Project Highlights:
- Total length of the river: 67.03 km
- Catchment area: 18,356.64 hectares
- Obstructed stretch: 16.91 km
- Free-flowing segment: 51.12 km
- Villages to benefit: 54
🛠️ Groundwork Begins with ‘Shramdaan’
The rejuvenation effort was flagged off with symbolic participation from Shravasti District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi and Chief Development Officer Shahid Ahmad, who performed a prayer ritual and initiated ‘shramdaan’ (voluntary labor) by digging soil with a spade.
“This is more than just an environmental project—it’s a step towards restoring ecological balance and ensuring water security for farmers in the region,” said Dwivedi. The project is being executed with community involvement and funding under the MGNREGA scheme.
🛰️ Technology-Driven River Mapping
The alignment and course of Budhi Rapti have been accurately mapped using remote sensing technologies, ensuring the restoration stays true to the river’s natural flow. Surveys have shown no major deviations from its historical path, making revival efforts more feasible.
Post-monsoon, authorities plan large-scale desilting operations to remove blockages and restore continuous water flow through the obstructed 16.91 km stretch. Soil volume assessments will be conducted to support this process.
🌾 Boost for Agriculture and Water Management
Reviving Budhi Rapti is expected to significantly enhance irrigation facilities for local farmers, particularly in the 54 adjacent villages. The improved water flow will benefit crops, restore groundwater levels, and contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability.
The river ultimately merges with the main Rapti river, making its revival critical for broader regional hydrology.
🌿 A Model for River Rejuvenation
“Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, Uttar Pradesh is setting an example in water resource management, combining grassroots participation, government schemes, and scientific tools to rejuvenate water bodies,” said the state government in a media statement.
“The revival of Budhi Rapti is not just about bringing a river back to life—it’s about ensuring livelihood security, climate resilience, and community empowerment,” a senior state official noted.
As the project progresses, the river is expected to regain its full flow by next year, marking a major ecological turnaround for the region and advancing Uttar Pradesh’s broader vision for water sustainability.
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