Gomti Rejuvenation Mission

The Gomti Rejuvenation Mission launched by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is a significant initiative aimed at restoring the health of the Gomti River. The mission has an ambitious target of intercepting 95 percent of urban sewage entering the river, which has faced significant pollution issues over the years.

About the Gomti River:

1. Geography and Course:

   • Origin: The river originates from Gomat Taal (also called Fulhaar Jheel) in the Pilibhit District of Uttar Pradesh.

   • Flow: The Gomti flows entirely within Uttar Pradesh, passing through several important districts, including Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Faizabad, and Jaunpur.

   • Length and Drainage: The river extends over approximately 900 km and drains a basin covering about 18,750 square kilometers.

   • Tributaries: Major tributaries of the Gomti include the Sai River, Chowka River, Kathina River, and Saryu River.

   • Confluence with the Ganga: The Gomti ultimately merges with the Ganga River.

2. Characteristics:

   • The river is perennial, meaning it flows year-round, although its flow is generally sluggish, especially outside of the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall increases the water runoff.

   • It is situated in a region underlain by alluvial sediments of the Quaternary age, which include boulders, pebbles, sand, and clay.

3. Pollution Issues:

   • Over the years, the Gomti has become one of the most polluted rivers in Uttar Pradesh due to urban sewage, industrial waste, and a lack of proper waste management systems in the cities it passes through.

   • As a result, it has faced significant degradation, affecting both water quality and biodiversity.

The Gomti Rejuvenation Mission:

The Gomti Rejuvenation Mission is designed to address the growing concerns about the river's pollution and aims to restore its ecological health.

1. Target of 95% Sewage Interception:

   • A central goal of the mission is to intercept 95 percent of the urban sewage entering the river. This is critical, as a large portion of the pollution in the Gomti comes from untreated urban sewage.

   • Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are expected to be upgraded and new ones will be established to treat the wastewater before it is allowed to flow into the river.

2. Pollution Control and Clean-up Efforts:

   • The mission will focus on the cleaning and de-siltation of the riverbed to remove pollutants and improve water flow.

   • Riverfront development will also be part of the plan, focusing on the beautification of the riverbanks and ensuring that no untreated waste is allowed to discharge into the river.

3. Reviving Ecosystem:

   • The project aims to revive the river's ecosystem, which includes restoring aquatic life and improving water quality to make it more conducive to flora and fauna.

   • There will also be an emphasis on raising awareness among the public and local communities about the importance of protecting the river.

4. Sustainable Water Management:

   • The rejuvenation efforts will integrate sustainable water management practices, ensuring that the river continues to flow freely and is not blocked by over-extraction or waste dumping.

Challenges Faced by the Gomti River:

1. Urbanization and Industrialization: The rapid urbanization of cities like Lucknow, which is situated on the riverbanks, has led to increased discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents into the river.

2. Limited Waste Treatment Infrastructure: Inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure has been a major issue, contributing to the poor water quality.

3. Illegal Dumping: There are instances of illegal dumping of waste, including plastics, chemicals, and other hazardous materials, which further degrade the water quality.

4. Public Awareness: Despite efforts to clean the river, there is often a lack of awareness among the local population about the importance of keeping the river clean.