U.P. eyes ensuring zero discharge into rivers, implements multi-layered approach including drone survey

Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (June 13, 2026) said a comprehensive action plan is at work to ensure zero discharge into rivers aiming to achieve zero-discharge targets through adaptation of drone survey models in multiple districts.

“Drone surveys covering over 400 kilometers of the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Varuna, and Pandu rivers have injected fresh momentum into rejuvenation efforts. Surveys conducted in major cities such as Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Kanpur have enabled precise assessment of river conditions, identification of pollution sources, and mapping of drain discharge points. Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Hardoi, Ballia, Meerut, Mirzapur are among the districts set to benefit first from this initiative. Based on the drone survey findings, a comprehensive action plan is being prepared to ensure zero discharge into rivers. Once implemented, the rivers in the district are expected to achieve zero-discharge status,” Anurag Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary, Namami Ganga and Rural Drinking Water Supply Department, Uttar Pradesh, told The Hindu.

Joginder Singh, Project Director of the State Mission for Clean Ganga said advanced geospatial technologies to support research-driven and evidence-based planning under the Namami Gange Programme is practiced by the State helping generating precise geospatial datasets that are being integrated into a live GIS-based Drain Dashboard with 2D and 3D visualisation capabilities enabling basin-level pollution monitoring.

“High-resolution aerial surveys have been completed along the Ganga main stem in Uttar Pradesh, generating precise geospatial datasets that are being integrated into a live GIS-based Drain Dashboard with 2D and 3D visualisation capabilities. The dashboard enables basin-level pollution monitoring, identification of hotspots and prioritisation of drain remediation measures. It is the first of its kind initiative where LiDAR based scientific data has been coupled with visual data generated through drone surveys. We are doing timely field-level validation by District Ganga Committees, effective coordination and participation to ensure targeted interventions and strengthened drain-based pollution management. The initiative will particularly help in preparation of comprehensive and accurate DPRs with identification of primary, secondary and tertiary drains and pollution load which it is carrying, National Mission for Clean Ganga, the parent department is helping a lot,” added Mr. Singh, a 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who is Special Secretary, Namami Ganga and Rural Water Supply Department.

The Project Director added that the State has consistently emphasized the need for clean rivers and tangible benefits for local communities.

“In line with this vision, the identification of drains and pollution control measures has become more efficient. A drone-based, integrated rejuvenation action plan will not only rejuvenate rivers but also simultaneously create opportunities for cleanliness, employment, and environmental protection in rural regions. The advent of digital imaging drone technology is revolutionizing the planning, execution, and monitoring of river restoration initiatives. Initially utilized for military reconnaissance, contemporary drones are lightweight, digitally stabilized, and frequently enhanced with AI, rendering them effective instruments for environmental conservation. Revitalizing rivers also contributes to generating prospects for cleanliness, job creation, and environmental safeguarding in rural communities. Digital imaging drone technology is changing the landscape of how river restoration projects are conceived, implemented, and assessed. Once mainly employed for military surveillance, today’s drones are lightweight, equipped with digital stabilization, and often supported by AI, making them formidable assets for environmental protection.,” said Mr. Singh, Special Secretary, Namami Ganga and Rural Water Supply Department.