After ODOP Success, Yogi Govt Launches ‘One River, One District’ Project with IITs’ Support
Lucknow, July 14, 2025: After the overwhelming success of the ‘One District, One Product (ODOP)’ initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched an ambitious environmental programme titled ‘One River, One District’ to rejuvenate minor rivers across all 75 districts of the state.
To ensure scientific and sustainable execution, the state has partnered with prestigious technical institutions, including IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU, IIT Roorkee, and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) Lucknow. These institutions will guide the districts in designing river-specific revival plans after conducting comprehensive studies on channelisation, water flow restoration, ecological impact, and geographical mapping.
As per a directive issued by the Chief Minister a month ago, district magistrates have been tasked with identifying and formulating strategies to revive at least one minor river per district. The river rejuvenation project will include not only cleaning and realignment but also conservation of water bodies like ponds, check dams, and wetlands associated with the river ecosystems.
A monitoring committee led by the respective divisional commissioners has been formed to supervise implementation and ensure that quality standards are met. The overall goal is to trace each river from its origin to its final confluence, using remote sensing technology and modern hydrological tools.
Pilot projects are already underway in districts such as Shravasti and Basti. In Shravasti, revival work has started on the 67-km-long Budhi Rapti river, while in Basti, restoration is progressing on the Manorama river, which originates in Gonda and flows into the Kuwano river.
Officials highlighted that the approach integrates community involvement, scientific research, and sustainability to make each district self-reliant in water resource management. If successful, the initiative could set a new precedent for eco-restoration and water conservation in India.
