Yogi Adityanath Calls for Statewide Push on Check Dams to Solve UP’s Water Crisis

In a decisive move to address Uttar Pradesh’s escalating water crisis, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for a statewide mass movement to construct and restore check dams and ponds, modeled after the successful 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' tree plantation campaign. During a review meeting of the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department in Lucknow, he emphasized the critical role of these structures in cost-effective water conservation and groundwater recharge, presenting them as a national necessity compared to large dams.

Adityanath highlighted significant progress in water management, noting that 6,448 check dams have been built across seasonal rivers and streams, creating irrigation potential for 1.28 lakh hectares and recharging over 10,000 hectare-metres of groundwater annually. Since 2022-23, 1,002 check dams have been desilted, and 1,343 of the state’s 16,610 ponds have been redeveloped. Additionally, between 2017 and 2025, 6,192 blast coupes were constructed, providing irrigation for 18,576 hectares.

To further enhance pond utility, the Chief Minister directed that potters be allowed to collect clay from ponds between April 1 and June 15 to prepare them for monsoon recharge. Post-monsoon, these ponds should support fish farming and water chestnut cultivation to generate employment and bolster the rural economy. Adityanath also mandated rainwater harvesting for all buildings larger than 100 square meters, a measure he described as pivotal for water conservation in both urban and rural areas.

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Reflecting on past challenges, Adityanath noted that in 2017, Uttar Pradesh had 82 over-exploited and 47 critical groundwater zones. Sustained efforts have reduced these to 50 and 45, respectively, by 2024—a commendable achievement. He urged officials to accelerate efforts to bring all such zones into the normal category in the coming years.

Drawing parallels with the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, Adityanath stressed that collective public participation could transform check dam and pond construction into a people’s movement, significantly alleviating the water crisis while boosting agriculture, fisheries, and rural livelihoods. To ensure transparency, he instructed officials to document all ponds, blast coupes, and check dams photographically across every district. He also called for robust public awareness campaigns through social media and local representatives to drive community engagement.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to water conservation and groundwater recharge, Adityanath expressed confidence that with active public participation, Uttar Pradesh would set a national benchmark for sustainable water management.

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