48-km Noon revival inspires green restoration across UP
The successful restoration of the Noon has become a model across Uttar Pradesh. The river, once essential for agriculture and community activities in Bilhaur, Shivrajpur, and Chaubepur, severely declined due to unauthorised constructions and accumulated silt blocking its flow.
District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh said, "The 48-km river's original course was identified using multiple sources: revenue documents, local knowledge, drone surveillance, and satellite imagery.
Elderly residents provided valuable information about the river's historical path and gradual disappearance."
The MNREGA scheme facilitated cleaning, excavation, and embankment works, said the DM adding, "The project engaged 6,000 workers from 58 village councils across 23 km, prioritising manual labour over machinery. The initiative cost Rs 57 lakh and generated over 23,000 man-days of employment." Chief development officer Diksha Jain said that beyond water restoration, the project aimed at environmental and social integration.
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"July witnessed the planting of 40,000 trees, including neem, peepal, pakar, and moringa along the banks, promoting biodiversity and soil conservation," said the CDO further.
The CDO said that after identifying the Noon river, comprehensive surveys using drones and satellites revealed extensive encroachment and vegetation obstruction. "The Feb revival initiative, launched with public participation through MNREGA, addressed industrial pollution and received corporate support.
The successful restoration accumulated significant water reserves, with recent plantations of 40,000 trees along the banks generating considerable local enthusiasm.
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The restoration improved groundwater levels in nearby wells, while the restored banks became sanctuaries for local wildlife. The project combined traditional wisdom with contemporary technology, using elderly residents' knowledge alongside satellite data to accurately restore the river's original path.
Local communities established maintenance groups to monitor the river health and organise cleaning activities.
Educational institutions near the river now include environmental awareness programmes. The planted trees show good growth potential, with expected survival rates above 80%. These plants receive regular monitoring from forest officials and community volunteers.
Industries installed water treatment facilities, reducing pollution significantly. Water quality tests indicate higher oxygen levels and decreased chemical presence. The improved water quality will for sure encourage the return of fish species, enabling sustainable fishing activities, said a senior official associated with the project. "The project's achievements motivated other districts to undertake similar restoration work, with officials visiting to study this successful model," added the official.
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