Rejuvenation of the Ur River, Tikamgarh, M.P. Process Documentation of the First Six Months Sept 2019- Mar 2020

The Ur River Rejuvenation project in Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, is showing promising progress in reviving the Ur River through a collaborative approach involving government bodies, civil society, and local communities. The project focuses on improving groundwater levels, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable water management practices, with the support of MGNREGA funding. Initial efforts covering 13 villages under the Ur-5 catchment area have produced encouraging results, highlighting the importance of community involvement.

The Ur River, a seasonal tributary of the Dhasan River, stretches 83 km through Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh. This region has long struggled with severe water scarcity caused by poor groundwater recharge and inadequate rainwater harvesting structures. With most locals relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, frequent crop failures have made life increasingly difficult.

In 2019, the Madhya Pradesh government launched the Ur River Rejuvenation initiative, aiming to tackle these challenges through integrated watershed management. Funded mainly by MGNREGA, the project emphasizes involving the community in planning and implementing solutions. The collaborative effort follows the Panchmukhi Samvaay model, which brings together government agencies, civil society organizations, local institutions, financial bodies, and knowledge experts to work toward a common goal.

Community involvement is at the heart of this initiative. Villagers are being trained as ‘Jal Jankars’ (water experts) to lead water conservation efforts, while local organizations like the Kabil Foundation and WALMI provide technical support. Activities like constructing farm ponds, enhancing groundwater recharge, and promoting climate-resilient farming are already making a difference.

However, challenges remain. Aligning policies, securing more funding, and engaging the Forest Department effectively are all critical to the project’s long-term success. Despite these hurdles, the initiative offers a hopeful pathway toward a more water-secure future for Tikamgarh’s communities.

Keywords:  Ur River, Tikamgarh, Watershed Management, MGNREGA, Panchmukhi Samvaay, Groundwater, Community Mobilization, Water Harvesting, Forest Department, River Rejuvenation