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Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh): Kurel River, a tributary of the Maleni River is set to be revived under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan. Once a vital water source for Ratlam, the Kurel River has dried up, while some thirty years ago it flowed year-round.

Panchayat and Rural Development Department, in collaboration with the Art of Living Institute, is preparing an action plan to restore the river. The Kurel River originates in Dhikwa Gram Panchayat and spans 28 kilometres, covering 24 gram panchayats and 39 villages.

Villagers from Dhikwa, Shivpur, Chaurani and Chaurana have noted that Narmada water is piped to Badnawar, just 11 kilometres from the river's source. They believe that releasing water into the pond at Dhikwa could help revive the river.

The action plan includes constructing ponds, percolation ponds, check dams and other water conservation structures to enhance the river's water retention capacity.

A survey identified the decreasing water retention as a key reason for the river's drying. The initial phase aims to revive 25 kilometres of the river, with collective efforts from local Gram Panchayats.

Officials emphasise that this initiative will restore the river, improve biodiversity, provide irrigation and create employment opportunities under MNREGA, benefiting local farmers and communities.