Latest news with #HarshikaSingh
Time of India
14-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
State govt to revive six more small rivers in Prayagraj dist
1 2 Prayagraj: The state govt has taken an initiative to identify the small rivers that are on the verge of extinction in the Prayagraj district and revive them. After reviving three small rivers, including Lapri, Karnavati and Loni, district authorities have identified six small rivers, including Belan, Thotha, Bakrahi, Sevarahi, Ghaghar and Varuna. Officials claimed that the revival of these small rivers will not only help to maintain ecology but also create more opportunities for agriculture, groundwater, and rural life. The Yogi-led state govt is making herculean efforts to revive extinct small rivers across the state with the objective of improving the ecosystem as well as the groundwater level. Apart from the three major rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and Tons, there are more than a dozen small rivers in Prayagraj that are currently struggling for their survival. Once these small rivers are rejuvenated, there will be an abundance of water and other resources to be found in all 23 blocks of the district. Chief development officer (Prayagraj), Harshika Singh says, "On the instructions of the govt, the identification of small rivers on the verge of extinction is being carried out across the district. The list of identified rivers includes Loni, Lapri, Karnavati, Belan, Thotha, Bakrahi, Sevarhi, Ghaghar, and Varuna." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo The administration has been successful in reviving the Lapri and Karnavati rivers with a budget of 102.44 lakhs, while the exercise of rejuvenating the Loni river is underway with a budget of Rs 1.50 crores. An inclusive action plan is also being prepared for the remaining rivers. Officials claimed that reviving these small rivers is possible only through a long process and every individual's participation. For this, the govt is connecting gram panchayats, schools, and voluntary organisations with the river conservation campaign to ensure rural participation. By creating river friends in every village, a permanent monitoring system is being developed. Encroachment is being removed on the river banks, and floodplains are being freed. There are plans to revive traditional water sources, which include activating old wells, stepwells and ponds related to the river, as water storage. Experts said, "To revive the vanishing small rivers, the first requirement is to maintain the availability of water reaching the rivers throughout the year. This will be possible only when the condition of the groundwater level in that area remains better so that the pressure of irrigation does not fall much on these small rivers." The state govt has also prepared a backup plan for the rejuvenation of small rivers. Deputy Commissioner (MNREGA) Gulab Chandra said that a total of 583 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed in the district so far at a cost of Rs 28.92 crores to store around 13 lakh cubic rainwater. Apart from this, 106 Amrit Sarovars are under construction in the district in the current financial year. Similarly, the target of digging 50 ponds has been set in the Prayagraj district this year, which is three times more than last year.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Prayagraj to identify 10 underdeveloped villages monthly for targeted development
To boost rural development, the Prayagraj district administration, under chief development officer (CDO) Harshika Singh, is launching a new initiative. Each month, the administration will identify the 10 most underdeveloped villages in the district and carry out targeted development projects to address persistent challenges, said officials. A village of Prayagraj district (For Representation only) With 1,540 gram panchayats in the district, many villages have been consistently flagged for lack of basic infrastructure and services. Responding to complaints received during public hearings, CDO SIngh has directed district development officer (DDO) GP Kushwaha and district panchayati raj officer (DPRO) Ravi Shankar Dwivedi to prepare a comprehensive report identifying the most neglected villages. Based on this report, at least ten villages will be chosen each month for targeted development efforts, officials added. Village development officers will be assigned to these areas to ensure swift progress on key issues. The initiative aims to enhance living conditions but significantly reduce the volume of complaints from rural communities, said the CDO. The development work will focus on several key areas, including road construction within the village, the condition and connectivity of approach roads, availability of street lighting, and adequacy of irrigation resources. The officials will also assess whether schools have been upgraded under Operation Kayakalp, the current status of panchayat buildings, and the feasibility of setting up libraries for children. Other focus areas include the proximity of public service centers and the availability of clean drinking water. The administration has given the DDO a three-day deadline to submit the initial report, after which the development activities will begin. Officials said that the initiative is aimed as a proactive step toward inclusive development, with the potential to significantly improve the quality of life in the district's most neglected rural pockets.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Flowing through 14 villages, 32.5-km Loni set for revival in Prayagraj
The initiative to revive vanishing small rivers in Uttar Pradesh is gaining momentum, with a restoration campaign now underway for the Loni River, which passes through 14 village panchayats in Shankargarh, Prayagraj district. Prayers marking the start of the Loni river rejuvenation efforts in Prayagraj. (HT PHOTO) A comprehensive plan has been prepared to rejuvenate the Loni river, widely regarded as the 'lifeline of Shankargarh' in the trans-Yamuna region of the district. Spanning around 32.5 kilometers, the river flows through 14 villages, informed chief development officer (CDO) of Prayagraj, Harshika Singh. The restoration work has officially commenced in the village panchayat of Gadha Katra in Shankargarh, marking a significant move toward ecological renewal and water conservation in the region, CDO Harshika Singh informed. Reviving rivers demands inclusive and collective efforts. Recognising this, the administration has called upon voluntary organisations, village head groups, public representatives, and women's self-help groups to actively participate and support the initiative. According to the CDO, excavation work will be undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alongside plantation drives and the construction of embankments. She added that the district coordinator for MGNREGA has been directed to ensure the complete excavation of the river, removal of encroachments from both banks, and implementation of tree plantation along the river. During the monsoon season, small streams feed into the Loni, but numerous blockages along its course obstruct the natural flow. Officials stated that efforts will now be made to clear these obstructions and guide the water along its intended path. Earlier this year, two other small rivers in Prayagraj — the Lapari and Karnawati— were successfully revived. Once on the brink of disappearing, both rivers are now flowing freely and vibrantly once again. The Lapari, which originates from Koraon in Prayagraj, flows through more than 12 village panchayats over a stretch of approximately 18 kilometers before merging with the Belan river. Similarly, the Karnawati River—stretching about 19 kilometers and passing through over 15 village panchayats in the Manda region—was on the verge of extinction. The administration stepped in to revive both rivers. With a budget of ₹102.44 lakh under MGNREGA, the initiative generated 44,539 person-days of employment. Over 40,000 trees were planted on both sides of the river. After two years of hard work, the river's entire course has got filled with water.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Loni river's revival gains momentum
Prayagraj: The state govt's initiative to revive lost rivers has brought new hope to the Loni River, a vital water source for 14 gram panchayats in the Shankargarh block. Efforts are underway to restore and revive this lifeline river, benefiting local communities. Rs 1.50 crore will be spent on the project. Chief development officer Harshika Singh stated that the district is identifying and reviving endangered rivers as per govt directives. She highlighted that a strategy has been drafted to revive the Loni River, which is called the lifeline of Shankargarh, with restoration work already launched in Gram Panchayat Gadha Katra. The Loni River spans 32.50 km across 14 villages Officials said that collective efforts are needed to revive rivers, and for that, the local administration is appealing to NGOs, gram pradhan groups, public representatives, and women self-help groups to come forward for cooperation. The CDO said, "To revive the Loni River, excavation will first be done under MNREGA. Later, a plantation drive and embankments will be carried out." Authorities concerned have been instructed to completely excavate the river under MNREGA, remove encroachments on both sides and plant trees. During the rainy season, mountain streams flow in this river, but obstructions in the water route were spotted at many places. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Plans are afoot to remove obstructions to ensure the free flow of water. The state govt's efforts have revived two rivers in the Sangam City, namely the Lapri River and the Karnavati River. The Lapri River, which originates from Koraon and flows through over 12 gram panchayats covering an area of about 18 km before merging into the Belan River, is now flowing smoothly. Similarly, the Karnavati River, which flows through more than 15 gram panchayats in Manda over a distance of about 19 km, has also been rejuvenated and is now flowing on its course. For both the rivers, 44,539 working days were generated with a budget of 102.44 lakhs under MNREGA. Besides, over 40,000 trees were planted on both sides of the river. After two years of hard work, the entire route of the river was filled with water.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Prayagraj administration cracks down on 2,000 PMAY defaulters
PRAYAGRAJ : The Prayagraj district administration has launched recovery proceedings against over 2,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ( PMAY ) who received funds but failed to construct their houses. After sending notices, the administration is now preparing to issue Recovery Certificates (RCs) from the respective tehsils to reclaim the misused public funds. A total of 1,507 rural beneficiaries under PMAY-Gramin and 504 urban beneficiaries under PMAY-Urban did not complete their homes despite receiving government assistance. Notably, nearly 470 individuals in the urban sector received financial aid almost six years ago but have yet to build their houses, despite receiving all instalments. Of these, more than 400 beneficiaries did not even lay the foundation for their houses. Another 100 managed to build only partial structures such as incomplete walls. Urban areas such as Jhalwa, Dhoomanganj, Salori, Baghara, Rajapur, Kareli and Rajrooppur have the highest concentration of defaulters. Similarly, beneficiaries from towns like Sirsa, Bharatganj, Koraon, Shankargarh, Handia, Phulpur, Mauaima and Lal Gopalganj also failed to utilise the sanctioned funds appropriately. The issue is particularly widespread in rural areas, where approximately 1,450 beneficiaries across tehsils such as Koraon, Meja, Karchhana, Bara, Phulpur, and Handia failed to initiate construction despite receiving all installments of government aid. In most cases, the homes did not progress beyond the foundation stage, with some plots not even undergoing excavation. To address this issue, the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) is preparing to send a formal report to the concerned tehsils for the issuance of Recovery Certificates (RCs) against urban defaulters. DUDA is also working on similar documentation for rural areas to take further action. Chief development officer Harshika Singh emphasised that beneficiaries who receive financial aid under the PMAY must ensure the funds are used strictly for home construction. Those who ignored three notices and failed to show progress in construction will now face strict recovery action. This crackdown is part of a broader move to enforce accountability and ensure that govt schemes reach genuine beneficiaries who intend to utilise the support for their intended purpose, say officials of the district administration.
