Collective Effort Revives Pratapgarh's Sakarni River

Approximately 30,000 residents from 20 villages in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district have successfully revived the Sakarni River, previously vanished due to encroachment. The community-driven initiative, supported by local administration and MGNREGA, has alleviated flooding issues, promoted cultivation, enhanced water management, and provided employment opportunities.

In a significant community-driven success story, around 30,000 residents from 20 villages in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district have restored a river that once disappeared due to encroachment and neglect.

The rejuvenation of the Sakarni River has notably reduced the persistent flooding issues in the region and has promoted the cultivation of water chestnuts. Taking ten months to revive, the Sakarni River now flows back into the Sai River after a 27-km journey from the Mohanganj area. Ajay Krantikari, head of pro-environment NGO 'Paryavaran Sena', highlighted the numerous benefits brought by the river's revival.

Encroachment had nearly killed the river, but a combined effort by the villagers and local administration, led by Pratapgarh District Magistrate Sanjeev Ranjan, rejuvenated it. The project was financed with Rs 1.35 crore from MGNREGA and included participation from 12 village panchayats in Mandhata and four each in Lakshmanpur and Sadar. Krantikari emphasized that the initiative not only mitigated flooding but also facilitated groundwater recharge and better water availability. Additionally, the project fostered employment opportunities for locals.

(With inputs from agencies.)