changeadminAn ancient and significant tributary of the Ganga River, flowing through the heart of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Tamsa River has witnessed a remarkable transformation in Azamgarh district.
The Tamsa flows through Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya and Azamgarh districts before it merges with the Ganga. Due to years of neglect, the river faced challenges of siltation, waste accumulation, and encroachments.
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 approximately 89 kilometres in the Azamgarh district and passing through 111 Gram Panchayats, the Tamsa River rejuvenation required structured planning at the grassroots level.
District Magistrate of Azamgarh, Ravindra Kumar, shared that district-level meetings were held with all Gram Pradhans to raise awareness of 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 schoolchildren, 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 were installed at key locations, and awareness campaigns were conducted to promote the 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. Ongoing efforts have improved water quality, revived biodiversity, and enhanced soil fertility and irrigation potential in nearby agricultural areas.
Mr Ram Udrej Yadav, Deputy Commissioner (Labour & Employment), Azamgarh, highlighted the significant role of Gram Panchayats and their 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 Tamsa River rejuvenation demonstrates that sustained administrative commitment combined with active public participation can successfully restore river ecosystems. The initiative serves as a replicable model for conserving tributaries and smaller rivers across the Ganga basin.
Efforts to conserve and regularly clean the Tamsa, along with other Ganga tributaries, will continue under the Namami Gange mission, strengthening the vision of a clean, healthy, and sustainable river system.
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