UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches Gomti Revival Mission to clean and restore the river, emphasizing public participation, strict action on pollution, and cultural revival.

The ‘Gomti Revival Mission‘, which has been announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, represents a significant stride toward the realization of the vision of a clean, uninterrupted, and pure Gomti river. The Chief Minister emphasized the Gomti’s profound significance, stating that it is not merely a river but a symbol of our cultural consciousness, spiritual heritage, and a vital sustenance for millions. The Gomti flows from Pilibhit to Ghazipur. He further stated that the mission is not limited to water purification; it is a comprehensive effort to revitalize both our cultural ethos and our environment. He stated that the initiative will serve as a testament to intergenerational commitment and environmental responsibility.

Major General Salil Seth, Brigadier Navtej Singh Sohal, Brigadier C. Madhwal, Colonel Arvind S. Prasad, Lieutenant Colonel Sachin Rana, Lieutenant Colonel Saurabh Mehrotra, Major K.S. Negi, Professor (Dr.) Venkatesh Dutta, and Lieutenant Colonel Hem Lohumi (Retd.) were among the senior government officials who attended the meeting, which was organized with the support of the Territorial Army.

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The Chief Minister reviewed the mission’s detailed action plan and issued critical directives for its effective implementation during the deliberations. He underscored the importance of the initiative not only becoming a mass movement that involves all segments of society, but also not remaining an administrative exercise.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to identify and take strict action against illegal encroachments along the Gomti river, thereby guaranteeing the safety and cleanliness of its banks. He underscored that the Gomti Revival Mission will encompass the entire river basin from Pilibhit to Ghazipur, with the objective of restoring the river to its pristine, uninterrupted, and pure state along its entire course.

The Chief Minister established ambitious objectives to reduce pollution levels, revive the river’s ecosystem, and intercept over 95% of municipal sewage during the mission. The meeting was informed that 13 of the 39 primary drains that flow into the Gomti remain untreated. At present, there are six operational Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 605 MLD. It is imperative to construct new treatment plants, upgrade existing ones, and divert additional sewers to STPs in order to improve their efficacy.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the mission’s objective is not limited to pollution control; it is a comprehensive endeavor to revitalize the river’s biological, cultural, and aesthetic aspects. Lucknow will establish new wetlands, such as the Ekana Wetland and Sajan Lake, as part of the action plan. Dedicated campaigns will also be implemented to enhance the aesthetic appeal of river ghats, eliminate illicit encroachments, and increase the amount of greenery along the riverbanks. He also directed the strict enforcement of the prohibition on single-use plastic, recognizing it as a significant contributor to water pollution and sewer blockages.

The Gomti Task Force, which was established in January of this year under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), is composed of the Project Director of the State Clean Ganga Mission, representatives from departments such as the Irrigation Department, Pollution Control Board, Jal Nigam, Lucknow Municipal Corporation, and Lucknow Development Authority, as well as subject experts. Prof. (Dr.) Venkatesh Dutta of BBAU, Lucknow, and Lt. Col. Devendra Chaudhary (Retd.), co-founder of the Incredible Ganga Trust, are among the notable members. The Task Force is effectively bridging the gap between the government and society.

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The Gomti Task Force has conducted over 100 awareness campaigns, removed over 1,000 tons of water hyacinth, surveyed sewers to identify pollution sources, and mobilized over 70,000 citizens through foot and boat patrols. Over 50,000 citizens participated in the ‘River Yoga Campaign’ (April 21 to June 21, 2025), which included daily yoga sessions, ghat clean-up drives, and public engagement activities at five main ghats. The campaign resulted in the removal of 300 tons of water hyacinth.

The Chief Minister reiterated his dedication, asserting that the waters of the Gomti are the essence of the region and that it is the moral and cultural obligation of Uttar Pradesh to ensure their purity and continuity. He instructed officials to conduct monthly review meetings of the Task Force, submit quarterly progress reports to the Chief Minister’s Office, and guarantee transparency and public participation at all levels.

The Chief Minister confirmed that the mission will have access to sufficient resources, including track boats, floating barriers, and excavators, and that there will be no shortage of essential equipment. He underscored that this mission would not be merely a government initiative; rather, it would develop into a collective journey of resolve that is fueled by public participation. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to coordinate extensive awareness campaigns with the active participation of educational and social institutions, under the guidance of public representatives, thereby transforming the mission into a genuine mass movement. The Chief Minister further stated that the Gomti River can only be restored to its natural purity and life-giving flow through the collaborative efforts of society and the government.