Flowing through the heart of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Tamsa River — an ancient and significant tributary of the Ganga River — has witnessed a remarkable transformation in Azamgarh district. Once facing challenges of siltation, waste accumulation and encroachments, the river today stands revitalised through coordinated administrative efforts and strong community participation under the Namami Gange Programme.
The Tamsa flows through Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya and Azamgarh districts before merging with the Ganga. 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 an approximate 89-kilometre stretch in Azamgarh district and passing through 111 Gram Panchayats, the rejuvenation of the Tamsa required structured planning at the grassroots level.
District Magistrate, Azamgarh, Ravindra Kumar, shared that meetings were held at the district level with all Gram Pradhans to sensitise them about 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.
Through Shramdaan, plastic, polythene and other solid waste were removed from riverbanks and ghats. Sanitation workers were deployed, dustbins installed at key locations, and awareness campaigns conducted to promote segregation of wet and dry waste and prevent dumping into the river.
Efforts to conserve and regularly clean the Tamsa, along with other tributaries of the Ganga, will continue in mission mode under Namami Gange, strengthening the vision of a clean, healthy and sustainable river system.
