Uttar Pradesh’s drone-led river rejuvenation sets national benchmark

Lucknow, Dec 21: The Uttar Pradesh government’s river conservation programme has emerged as a national model, with the Centre preparing to replicate its drone-based approach for river rejuvenation across the country. Under the State Mission for Clean Ganga, the state has, for the first time, deployed high-tech drone survey systems on a large scale to assess river health. Drone surveys covering nearly 150 kilometres of the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Varuna and Pandu rivers have been conducted, particularly in major cities including Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Kanpur.

Officials said the surveys have enabled accurate mapping of river conditions, identification of pollution sources and pinpointing of drain discharge points, giving a fresh push to rejuvenation efforts. Kanpur district is set to benefit first from the initiative.

Based on the drone findings, a detailed action plan is being prepared to ensure zero discharge of untreated waste into rivers. Once implemented, officials expect the district’s rivers to achieve zero-discharge status.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly stressed the importance of clean rivers and ensuring that conservation efforts deliver benefits to local communities. The use of drone technology, officials said, has made the identification of drains and pollution-control measures faster and more effective. A similar drone-based, integrated rejuvenation plan is also being drawn up for Lucknow, which is expected to provide a new roadmap for restoring the Gomti river.  With the effective use of technology and welfare-oriented policies, Uttar Pradesh has positioned itself as a leading state in river conservation, with its model now set to guide similar efforts nationwide.