Uttar Pradesh has launched a series of water management projects to address its worsening drought crisis, driven by erratic monsoons and groundwater depletion. The initiatives include new dams, reservoir expansions, and rainwater harvesting systems, alongside interlinking rivers to redistribute water. With a focus on sustainable irrigation and urban water supply, these projects aim to secure water resources for millions while tackling climate challenges.
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Water Security with New Projects
Uttar Pradesh, one of India’s most populous states, is grappling with severe water scarcity, with large swathes of the region facing drought-like conditions due to erratic monsoons and over-extraction of groundwater. In response, the state government has rolled out an ambitious drought mitigation plan, incorporating a slew of new water projects aimed at ensuring long-term water security for both rural and urban populations.
The state’s water management strategy includes the construction of new dams and check dams, particularly in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. These structures are designed to capture and store monsoon runoff, reducing dependence on unpredictable rainfall. According to state officials, the government has allocated ₹2,500 crore for building 50 new check dams across Bundelkhand, with an additional ₹1,200 crore for upgrading existing reservoirs to increase storage capacity. The Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant, a critical facility in the region, is also undergoing a desilting drive to double its storage capacity, a move that could significantly enhance water availability for nearby districts.
Rainwater harvesting is another cornerstone of the plan. The state has mandated the installation of harvesting systems in all government buildings and incentivized their adoption in private households. Over 20,000 villages are set to receive support for constructing water harvesting units, with Rajasthan’s model of 500,000 units serving as inspiration. This initiative aligns with the National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) program, which has identified critical groundwater depletion zones in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts like Agra, Mathura, and Jhansi, where over-extraction for agriculture has pushed aquifers to the brink.
The government is also exploring river interlinking projects to redistribute water from surplus to deficit areas. The Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s first river interlinking initiative, is a flagship effort in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Approved with a completion target of March 2030, the ₹44,605-crore project aims to irrigate 6.6 lakh hectares and provide drinking water to 41 lakh people. While the project has sparked environmental concerns, including potential disruptions to monsoon patterns and biodiversity loss in the Panna Tiger Reserve, the state government insists it will prioritize sustainable engineering solutions.
Urban water management is receiving equal attention. Cities like Lucknow and Kanpur are witnessing upgrades to their water supply infrastructure, with ₹1,800 crore allocated for modernizing pipelines and reducing water losses. The state is also promoting micro-irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler systems, to curb agricultural water wastage, which accounts for nearly 80% of Uttar Pradesh’s freshwater use. The Punjab government’s “Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao” scheme, which incentivizes farmers to conserve water, is being studied for replication.
The drought plan integrates community-driven efforts, drawing inspiration from models like Jakhni village in Bundelkhand, where local initiatives in rainwater harvesting and pond restoration have achieved water self-sufficiency. The state is also leveraging technology, with plans to deploy IoT-enabled sensors for real-time monitoring of water levels and quality in key aquifers, particularly in the water-stressed Gangetic plains.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Experts warn that poor coordination between state agencies, coupled with weak enforcement of water laws, could hinder progress. The slow adoption of water-efficient technologies and the destruction of natural recharge systems due to urban sprawl are additional hurdles. Moreover, climate change continues to exacerbate water stress, with the 2023 monsoon season recording extreme rainfall variations across Uttar Pradesh, leaving some areas flooded and others parched.
The state government, however, remains optimistic. By combining infrastructure development, technological innovation, and community participation, Uttar Pradesh aims to transform its water landscape and build resilience against future droughts. The success of these projects could serve as a blueprint for other water-stressed regions in India.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and publicly available data from sources like the Central Ground Water Board, NITI Aayog, and media outlets such as The Hindu and Economic Times. Information is subject to change as projects progress.