Lucknow, Jul 22 (PTI) The rivers across Uttar Pradesh, which had once turned dry, were encroached and remained neglected for a long time, are now being revived. This "environmental transformation" is driving a broader "wave of greenery" and "rural renewal", with more than 2.14 crore saplings planted along 82 rivers, the state government said on Tuesday.

Leading Uttar Pradesh's green revolution, the Jalaun district has planted more than 31 lakh saplings along riverbanks, followed by Jhansi with 24 lakh and Hamirpur with more than 16 lakh, the government said in a statement.

Also Read | Indian Stock Market: Sensex and Nifty Close Flat in Volatile Trade Market, Eternal Jumps Nearly 11%.

The rejuvenation of small rivers across all districts is underway on a war-footing. The State Mission for Clean Ganga, Namami Gange, and the Rural Water Supply Department are operating in "mission mode", it said.

Also Read | Vellore Dowry Harassment Case: Wife of Marine Engineer Accuses Husband of Pushing Her From Terrace During Dispute Over Dowry, Domestic Violence; Accused Arrested.

Simultaneously, ponds are being de-silted under MGNREGA, while the Forest Department and district Ganga committees are driving large-scale plantations along riverbanks.

Beyond ecological gains, the rejuvenation of rivers is benefiting agriculture. With improved water availability, farmers now have better access to irrigation, resulting in higher crop yields and a stronger rural economy. Groundwater levels are also seeing a positive shift, the statement said.

This campaign is not merely about reviving rivers, it is about laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future, and Uttar Pradesh is steadily moving towards becoming a 'Green State', according to the statement.

Plantation efforts are underway on the banks of major rivers, including the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Saryu, Tamsa, Mandakini, Rapti, Betwa, and Ghaghra, as well as numerous other rivers such as Ishan, Noon, and Peeli Nadi. At least one river is being rejuvenated in each district, the statement added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)