Campaign begins to revive Madhya Pradesh’s Betwa river:Volunteers construct 85 check dams as river source remains dry for months

The Betwa River, often referred to as the “Ganga of Madhya Pradesh,” has dried up once again at its origin point near Bhopal. For the past six months, no water has flowed from the Gomukh spring at Jheeri village, located around 25 kilometres from Bhopal, where the river originates naturally. The Betwa River flows through 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh before eventually merging into the Yamuna and later the Ganga River system. In response to the crisis, a large-scale revival campaign has now begun. Over the past seven days, environmentalists, lawyers and students from districts including Bhopal, Indore, Raisen, Vidisha and Rajgarh have participated in voluntary labour efforts to construct 85 new check dams. They have also repaired and reorganised 55 check dams built last year. The structures are intended to help retain rainwater so the river’s source can continue flowing throughout the year. Pictures of the Betwa’s origin point ‘Operation Check Dam’ launched to restore river Retired Income Tax officer R.K. Paliwal is leading a local initiative called “Operation Check Dam,” along with a plantation drive in the region. According to Paliwal, a river source drying up for a second consecutive year is a sign that the entire catchment ecosystem has failed. He said large-scale restoration work has therefore become essential. Parvati Kund was buried under eight feet of debris Paliwal said the team has also revived Parvati Kund, the highest natural water reservoir in the river region. The Kund had reportedly been buried under nearly eight feet of debris and was completely blocked. Following restoration, the water body is now helping wildlife in the surrounding forest areas. Now see 2 pictures of Shramdaan Dense forests replaced by farmland near origin Experts say the area around Jheeri village and the river’s origin was densely forested until a few years ago. However, large parts of the region have now been converted into agricultural land, severely damaging the catchment zone. The Betwa’s natural groundwater-fed origin, which once flowed throughout the year, now dries up only a few months after the monsoon. Farming and groundwater extraction increasing pressure Around 1,000 acres near Jheeri and neighbouring Behda village are currently used for wheat and paddy cultivation. Farmers depend heavily on groundwater irrigation, while local drinking water supply also relies on the same underground sources. Environmentalists say this has directly impacted the natural water system that sustained the Betwa’s origin. Several small natural springs exist around the Gomukh site. Earlier, groundwater from these sources gradually flowed toward the river’s origin point. Now, these springs have reportedly been deepened and fitted with motor pumps, effectively turning them into tube wells. As a result, groundwater that once naturally reached the river source is being extracted before it can replenish the stream. To address the problem, a total of 135 check dams have been built over the past two years to retain as much rainwater as possible. Environmentalists surveyed 200-kilometre stretch of river R.K. Paliwal said concerns are not limited to the river’s origin alone, as several downstream stretches of the Betwa have also dried up. In February 2023, environmentalists from across the country undertook a 200-kilometre journey along the Betwa River to study the reasons behind its decline. The survey examined how a river that once flowed throughout the year has gradually weakened. Paliwal noted that the Betwa finds mention in ancient scriptures and was historically considered a perennial river.