State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 15 May 2025

Gomti River

Why in News? 

Environmental experts and citizens have raised concerns about the Gomti River, as it struggles with plummeting oxygen levels, high fecal coliform counts, and a heavy load of untreated sewage. 

Key Points 

• River Profile:  
  • Gomti is a 960-km long tributary of the Ganga River. 
  • It originates from Madho Tanda in Pilibhit district and merges with the Ganga at Kaithi in Ghazipur. 
  • In Lucknow, the river faces increasing threats from urbanisation, including low oxygen levels and rising faecal contamination. 
• Urbanisation Pressure and Sewage Burden: 
  • Rapid population growth and city expansion are straining Gomti’s ecological balance. 
  • The city currently treats 450 MLD out of 730 MLD needed; around 280 MLD of untreated sewage flows directly into the river. 
• Mega Township Projects:  
  • The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is planning four major projects: Wellness City, IT City, Educational City, and Prabandhnagar. 
  • Other key developments include Anant Nagar (Mohaan Road) and Aero City (Amausi Airport). 
  • These townships lie along major corridors and will further increase population density and sewage load on Gomti. 
• Need for Sustainable Urban Planning: 
  • Environmentalists stress the urgency of scientific urban planning, including integrated drainage, green spaces, Sewage Treatment Plants, and water reuse systems. 
• Public Health Concerns: 
  • Sharp rise in faecal coliform levels and falling oxygen in the river present serious health and ecological risks. 
  • Untreated discharge from nullahs and inadequate infrastructure pose a threat to both aquatic life and human health.