CM Yogi has announced the launch of the ‘Gomti River Rejuvenation Mission’ to fulfil the promise of a clean, uninterrupted, and pure Gomti. He said this mission will be carried out as a public movement with participation from all sections of society.
The goal is to ensure not even a single drop of sewage enters the river.
For this, both short-term and long-term plans will be made.
Illegal settlements along the river, especially those with infiltrators, will be identified and legal action will be taken, so that the riverbanks remain clean and safe.
Cultural and Environmental Significance
On Sunday (October 12), during a meeting organised on the initiative of the Territorial Army, the CM said that the Gomti River symbolises our cultural awareness, spiritual heritage, and lifeline.
This mission will be a sign of environmental responsibility and a joint commitment to future generations. The mission will cover the area from Pilibhit to Ghazipur.
The main targets include blocking over 95% of urban sewage, reducing pollution to a minimum, and restoring the riverbank ecosystem.
Sewage and Treatment Plants
The meeting revealed that 13 out of 39 major drains falling into the Gomti release untreated sewage.
Currently, 6 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are working with a capacity of 605 MLD (million litres per day).
To improve their functioning, sewage from drains must be diverted to these STPs. New plants need to be built, and old ones need to be upgraded.
Senior officials from the army and administration, including Major General Salil Seth, Brigadier Navtej Singh Sohal, and Brigadier C. Madhwal, were present at the meeting.
Development of Wetlands and Ghats
The CM said that new wetlands will be developed near Ekana Stadium in the capital. Encroachments will be removed, riverfront ghats beautified, and greenery along the banks increased. A strict ban on single-use plastic will be enforced.
Officials have been instructed to hold monthly task force meetings and send quarterly reports.
Formation of Task Force and Expenditure
Under the National Clean Ganga Mission, a Gomti Task Force was formed in January this year.
It includes the Project Director of the State Ganga Mission, officials from the Irrigation Department, Pollution Control Board, Jal Nigam (Water Corporation), Lucknow Municipal Corporation, LDA, and various experts.
In Lucknow, the Gomti River stretches 101 km, of which 30 km is within the urban area.
Out of the 39 drains, 13 directly flow into the river without treatment.
From 2010 to 2025, around ₹2,500 crore has been spent on cleaning the river, but the water still remains black.
