Flowing through the heart of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Tamsa River — an ancient and significant tributary of the Ganga River — has witnessed a remarkable transformation in Azamgarh district. Once facing challenges of siltation, waste accumulation and encroachments, the river today stands revitalised through coordinated administrative efforts and strong community participation under the Namami Gange Programme.

The Tamsa flows through Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya and Azamgarh districts before merging with the Ganga. Recognising its ecological and cultural importance, a special conservation and cleanliness campaign was launched in Azamgarh with the active support of the District Ganga Committee and local communities.

 

Community-Led Planning Across 111 Gram Panchayats

Covering an approximate 89-kilometre stretch in Azamgarh district and passing through 111 Gram Panchayats, the rejuvenation of the Tamsa required structured planning at the grassroots level.

District Magistrate, Azamgarh, Shri Ravindra Kumar, shared that meetings were held at the district level with all Gram Pradhans to sensitise them about river cleanliness and its long-term environmental and economic benefits.

A clear action plan was drawn up, focusing on:

• Desilting of shallow stretches of the river
• Removal of garbage and debris from riverbanks
• Measurement of vacant riverbank land and removal of illegal encroachments
• Plantation of fruit-bearing trees along available land parcels

The plantation drive not only contributes to ecological restoration but also provides economic value, as produce from fruit-bearing trees can be utilised by the respective Gram Panchayats.

Shramdaan and Public Awareness Drive Change

Under Namami Gange, coordinated efforts were undertaken with the State Mission for Clean Ganga and the District Ganga Committee to ensure sustained implementation. Cleanliness drives and awareness campaigns mobilised school children, youth, women’s self-help groups, Gram Panchayats, voluntary organisations and local residents.

Through Shramdaan, plastic, polythene and other solid waste were removed from riverbanks and ghats. Sanitation workers were deployed, dustbins installed at key locations, and awareness campaigns conducted to promote segregation of wet and dry waste and prevent dumping into the river.

The initiative has also positively impacted religious and cultural activities along the riverbanks, ensuring that devotees visiting for rituals and sacred bathing experience a cleaner and more organised environment.

 

Environmental Gains and Livelihood Support

Officials emphasise that as a tributary of the Ganga, maintaining the cleanliness of the Tamsa is critical for ensuring the purity and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga. Continuous efforts have led to improvements in water quality, revival of biodiversity, and enhancement of soil fertility and irrigation potential in nearby agricultural areas.

Shri Ram Udrej Yadav, Deputy Commissioner (Labour & Employment), Azamgarh, highlighted the significant role played by Gram Panchayats and convergence with MGNREGA. Elected representatives, MGNREGA workers and community volunteers collectively contributed to desilting, cleaning and plantation activities, reinforcing a participatory model of river restoration.

A Replicable Model for Tributary Conservation

The rejuvenation of the Tamsa River demonstrates that sustained administrative commitment combined with active public participation can successfully restore river ecosystems. The initiative stands as a replicable example for conservation of tributaries and smaller rivers across the Ganga basin.

Efforts to conserve and regularly clean the Tamsa, along with other tributaries of the Ganga, will continue in mission mode under Namami Gange, strengthening the vision of a clean, healthy and sustainable river system.

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ND

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