Rejuvenation of small rivers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

This chapter weaves the stories of five small rivers namely Barnaar River, Lakhandei River and Dhanauti River in Bihar, and Syahi River and Aami River in UP. The narrative shows that, though rivers are a quintessential part of the ecology irrespective of their size, small rivers are often ignored. The chapter illustrates a range of grave concerns around small rivers which range from sand mining and riverbed encroachment to loss of livelihoods to name a few. The field-notes highlight the devastating effects of sand mining on the Barnaar River, the false hope around the revival of the Dhanauti River, and the near extinction of the Aami River. At the same time, stories of the revival of the Lakhandei and Syahi rivers give some hope and exemplify the potential of ecological restoration and river rejuvenation. Thus, the chapter acts as an apt reminder of the undervalued role played by small rivers in the ecology.