Why In News?

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) technical committee submitted a status update to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the physical demarcation of the Budhi Ganga river floodplain.

About Budhi Ganga River

  • The Budhi Ganga ("Old Ganga") is a seasonal paleo-channel representing the historical flow of the River Ganga.

  • It extends approximately 93 km across three districts of western Uttar Pradesh: Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, and Hapur.

  • It originates upstream of the syphon on the Madhya Ganga Canal near Deval Village in Muzaffarnagar District, flows past Hastinapur, and re-merges with the main River Ganga near Garhmukteshwar in Hapur District.

  • It is a non-perennial, rain-fed stream with no permanent year-round natural source, collecting rainwater from its catchment during the monsoon. During dry periods, water seeping out downstream of the Bijnor Barrage feeds small streams that flow into its bed.

Historical, Archaeological & Cultural Significance

  • Mahabharata Connection: The river served as the original course of the Ganga during the Mahabharata era.

  • River Avulsion Event: Massive flooding during the reign of King Nichakshu shifted the main flow of the Ganga eastward, leaving behind this abandoned channel.

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  • Archaeological Evidence: Excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Ulta Khera Mound (Pandav Tila) in 1950–52 and 2021–22 uncovered distinct flood silt layers confirming historical river shifts.

  • Cultural Landmarks: The channel runs through Hastinapur Kauravan and Hastinapur Pandavan. Key heritage sites along its banks include Barakhamba Mound, Karna Ghat, Draupadi Ghat, Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple, Maa Kamakhya Siddh Pith, and Ulta Khera Mound.

Major Issues 

  • Channel Vanishing & Misclassification: Official misclassification of the river as a drain or stream led to its channel completely disappearing in several locations.

  • Illegal Agricultural Leases (Pattas): Post-independence revenue authorities allotted agricultural land leases (pattas) over the marshy riverbed in the Mawana region (Meerut). 

Rejuvenation Measures

  • NMCG Technical Investigation: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) formed a specialized technical group alongside experts from NIH Roorkee to analyze historical maps, satellite imagery, and land records to verify its true origin, 93-km course, and confluence.

  • Cancellation of Illegal Leases: Following NGT directives, administrative proceedings were launched to cancel agricultural leases (pattas) in Meerut to reclaim the floodplain.

Source: DOWNTOEARTH

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the geography of Uttar Pradesh, consider the following statements regarding the Budhi Ganga River:

  1. It represents an archaic, ancient route of the main Ganga River that shifted its course over time.

  2. It originates in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh from the Gomat Taal.

  3. It meanders through the heart of the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Geological and historical evidence shows that the Budhi Ganga is the ancient, archaic route of the Ganges River before historical floods altered its main path.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Budhi Ganga originates from the Muzaffarnagar district (specifically near village Deval). It is the Gomti River that originates from Gomat Taal in Pilibhit.

Statement 3 is correct: The river serves as a crucial ecological component flowing right through the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.