UP CM Yogi Adityanath mandates rainwater harvesting for buildings over 100 sq. meters, boosts water conservation with check dams, pond restoration, and groundwater recharge initiatives in Uttar Pradesh.
In a recent review meeting, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath issued a clear directive making rainwater harvesting compulsory for all buildings larger than 100 square meters across the state. This decisive step aims to strengthen water conservation efforts in both urban and rural areas, addressing the growing water crisis in the region.
Strengthening Water Conservation in Uttar Pradesh
The Chief Minister CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of rainwater harvesting as a crucial measure to replenish groundwater and support sustainable water management. He highlighted that by 2017, Uttar Pradesh had 82 over-exploited and 47 critical water-stressed areas. Thanks to government initiatives, these numbers have decreased significantly to 50 over-exploited and 45 critical areas as of 2024. The government is committed to accelerating efforts to bring all these regions into normal status in the coming years.
Massive Check-Dam and Pond Restoration Initiatives
During the review meeting of the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department (Minor Irrigation), CM Yogi Adityanath expressed concern over the escalating water scarcity. He called for the construction and renovation of check dams, ponds, and blastkups to slow down rainwater runoff and increase groundwater recharge.
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The state has already constructed 6,448 check dams across various local and seasonal rivers and streams. Each check dam contributes an average of 20 hectares of additional irrigation capacity, resulting in a total of 1,28,960 hectares of new irrigation potential. These efforts have helped farmers harvest two to three crops annually, boosting agricultural productivity.
Continuous Efforts for Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge
From the financial year 2022-23 onwards, the government has desilted and repaired 1,002 check dams to enhance their capacity. Additionally, 1,343 ponds out of 16,610 measuring between 1 to 5 hectares have been restored. Between 2017 and 2025, 6,192 blastkups have created 18,576 hectares of irrigation capacity, further supporting groundwater recharge.
Special Measures for Talab (Pond) Preparation and Utilization
CM Yogi Adityanath also directed that from April 1 to June 15, before the monsoon, potters should be allowed to extract soil free of cost from ponds to prepare them for rainwater recharge. Post-monsoon, these ponds will be used for fish farming and water chestnut (singhada) cultivation, generating livelihood opportunities.
Furthermore, he ordered that detailed photographic records of ponds, blastkups, and check dams be maintained for monitoring and management at the district level.
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