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Scientists Discover Buried River 15 Metres Below Ground in Uttar Pradesh

May 17, 2026
Discovery made by CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad Location Prayagraj to Kanpur stretch, Uttar Pradesh Depth below surface 10 to 15 metres Length Nearly 200 km Width 4 to 5 km Water storage capacity 3,500 to 4,000 million cubic metres Number of MAR sites identified More than 150 Initial sites for development 20 to 25 Confluence of Ganga and Yamuna Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj

Exam-Focused Points 

  1. A  palaeo-channel  is an old, buried river course.

  2. The buried channel lies  10–15 metres below  the surface.

  3. It runs for  200 km  from  Prayagraj to Kanpur .

  4. Scientists used  airborne geophysical surveys (helicopters)  and  drilling  to find it.

  5. Drilling locations included  Sarai Akil, Sirathu, Manjhanpur, Fatehpur, and Balwant Tola .

  6. The channel still holds water –  3,500 to 4,000 million cubic metres .

  7. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)  sites will help store more water.

  8. The buried river may be linked to the  Saraswati River , but  more evidence  is needed from the Himalayas.

  9. CSIR-NGRI is based in  Hyderabad .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a palaeo-channel?
A: A palaeo-channel is an ancient river course that got buried under sand, silt, or groundwater over time.

Q2: Where is this underground river located?
A: It lies between Prayagraj and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, about 10 to 15 metres below the ground.

Q3: How much water can this buried channel store?
A: It can store nearly 3,500 to 4,000 million cubic metres of water.

Q4: How did scientists confirm it was an old river?
A: They drilled at several places and found sandy deposits that match ancient riverbed material.

Q5: Is this the same as the Saraswati River?

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