Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 15 : The 'One District, One River' campaign, launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has started gaining momentum across the state, with visible outcomes emerging from various districts.
A key focus of the initiative, reviving extinct rivers, is showing promising results, reflecting the deep cultural reverence India holds for rivers, not just as water bodies, but as life-giving entities.
In this spirit, Pili Nadi, a tributary of the Gomti River in Jaunpur, has been revived through a collective public effort. Once choked and forgotten, the river is now flowing once again, gradually regaining its original form. Saplings have been planted along its banks to maintain ecological balance and provide long-term benefits to farmers by enhancing soil fertility and water availability, a release said on Tuesday.
According to the release, Jaunpur District Magistrate Dinesh Chandra Singh highlighted that, under the leadership of CM Yogi and the One District, One River initiative, the restoration of Pili Nadi has emerged as a model public movement.
The 61.2 km-long river, with 43 km flowing through Jaunpur, originates from Dehuna village in Badlapur tehsil and meanders through villages such as Bhalua, Khanpur, Bahur, Sirikna, and Rampur before merging into the Gomti River near Belwan.
From a cultural perspective, Pili Nadi holds a deep connection with Jaunpur's identity.
As part of the revival campaign held from June 11 to July 2, a 25-km stretch of the river was rejuvenated through community participation and awareness.
A key highlight of the campaign was the restoration of the ancient Shiva temple in Deoria village, situated on the riverbank. This renovation, timed ahead of the auspicious month of Sawan, is expected to further strengthen local religious sentiments, according to the official statement.
Jaunpur DM Dinesh Chandra Singh also noted that Pili Nadi originates from the Muraini Lake located between Sultanpur and Pratapgarh. While the river's total length is approximately 70 km, 43 km of it runs through Jaunpur.
Furthermore, in line with CM Yogi's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, 11,000 saplings have already been planted along both sides of the river, with a target of 51,000 to be completed by August 15.
This revival effort is not just an environmental success, but a boost for local agriculture. With enhanced water availability, nearby farmers will have improved irrigation support, which will help increase crop yields and ensure sustainable livelihoods.