Jharkhand will soon witness a major eco-restoration drive with the rejuvenation of rivers flowing through five key urban centers. Under the central government’s Urban River Management Plan (URMP), rivers in Adityapur, Chas, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Sahibganj (Rajmahal) have been selected in the first phase.
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Urban River Management Plan to Strengthen River Cities
The initiative is a part of the River Cities Alliance (RCA), designed to ensure clean and free-flowing rivers across India. The project will focus on multiple components including cleaning river water, improving sewage treatment, developing riverfronts, plantation drives, and building eco-friendly environments along riverbanks. Officials noted that rivers like Ganga, Damodar, Kharkai, Harmu, and Swarnarekha will benefit under the first phase in Jharkhand.
City-Specific Challenges and Tailored Solutions
At a state-level workshop, Jharkhand Urban Development and Housing Department Secretary Mr. Sunil Kumar said each city has unique challenges, requiring customized river management plans. He emphasized that while states with extensive Ganga basins have already benefited from the Namami Gange programme, Jharkhand—with only an 80-km Ganga stretch—needs to integrate its tributaries into the scheme. This inclusion, he said, will ultimately help in keeping the Ganga clean and free-flowing.
State’s Commitment to River Conservation
Mr. Kumar also highlighted ongoing state-level programmes for the conservation, restoration, and beautification of rivers. “Our aim is to keep rivers on the priority list for urban development. Works are underway on riverfront development, construction of sewage treatment plants, plantations, and eco-friendly infrastructure,” he said.
Public Participation for Sustainable Impact
Mr. Suraj Kumar, Director of the Namami Gange Project in Jharkhand, stressed that urban local bodies should ensure active public participation while preparing river management plans. He underlined the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including citizens, NGOs, and institutions, to make the initiative sustainable in the long term.
Building Eco-Friendly River Cities
Officials noted that the project is not only about river cleaning but also about creating resilient and livable cities around these water bodies. With the combination of central and state initiatives, Jharkhand’s rivers will soon see rejuvenation, contributing to both ecological balance and improved urban infrastructure.
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