PRAYAGRAJ, April 16 -- : In a fresh push toward ecological restoration, the Prayagraj division has initiated a comprehensive plan to revive the near-extinct Chhoti river in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district, marking the eighth such river rejuvenation effort in the region.

Once a lifeline for thousands across 11 gram panchayats, the 11.5-km-long Chhoti river-an important tributary of the Sasur Khaderi river-has dwindled into a seasonal stream due to years of neglect and environmental degradation. A detailed project report (DPR) is currently being prepared to restore its natural flow.

According to officials, the river originates in Gram Panchayat Digh in the Malwan development block and flows through Sikandarpur in Khajuha block and Aswar...