Parliament Question: Threat to the Existence of Geruwa River in Bahraich District

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 709 ANSWERED ON 23.07.2026 THREAT TO THE EXISTENCE OF GERUWA RIVER IN BAHRAICH DISTRICT †709. Dr. ANAND KUMAR: Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing silt deposition, reducing depth and the consequent threat to the very existence of the Geruwa river in Bahraich district and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government is also aware that protected aquatic species such as the Ganges river dolphins, crocodiles and gharials are found in the Geruwa river and are being adversely affected by the degradation of the river and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any study/survey has been conducted regarding the causes of silt deposition in the river, particularly deforestation in the upper catchment areas and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the concrete steps being taken by the Government for the conservation of the Geruwa river, desiltation, forest conservation and protection of aquatic biodiversity? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY) (a) Erosion, movement and deposition of sediment are natural geo-morphic processes in rivers. Rivers tend to maintain a balance between the silt load carried and the silt load deposited, thereby maintaining a river regime. The entire Geruwa River, located upstream of the Girija Barrage, falls under the Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has informed that due to reduced flow in the Geruwa River, the water velocity decreases, leading to the accumulation of silt in the river bed. (b) to (d) Under the Namami Gange Programme, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun conducted a biodiversity survey of the Geruwa River in January 2023, during which the presence of the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) and Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was recorded. Gharials of different size classes, including nesting females, were observed, indicating the presence of a breeding population in the Katarnia Ghat Wildlife Sanctuary stretch. WII has identified and trained 26 Ganga Praharis from Bahraich district to support aquatic biodiversity conservation along the Geruwa (Girwa) and Ghaghra rivers. Dredging/de-silting of rivers is not considered techno-economically feasible, as the benefits are generally marginal and effective only for a short duration. De-silting measures, including dredging in specific reaches of rivers for the removal of drainage congestion, channel capacity improvement and navigation purposes, are formulated and implemented by the concerned States/agencies, as required, based on proper scientific model studies. For the comprehensive and holistic management of sediments, the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, in extensive consultations with Central Ministries/Departments and State Governments/UTs, has prepared the “National Framework for Sediment Management”. The Framework emphasizes reducing silt generation rather than silt removal and promotes technological innovations and best practices. It also lays emphasis on sediment management through integrated river basin management plans, giving due consideration to the environment and ecology. *****