UP To Build 45-Drain Sewage Network To Clean Gomti River

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive plan to reduce river pollution across the state. As part of this effort, a plan has been prepared under the Namami Gange programme to clean the Gomti River in Lucknow by preventing sewage from flowing directly into it.

The plan involves drain tapping, flow diversion, enhancement of sewage treatment capacity, and the installation of new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). A drone survey has identified 45 drains that discharge into the Gomti River.

The city of Lucknow has an estimated population of 45.56 lakh in 2026, with 110 wards and approximately 7.52 lakh households. About 4.01 lakh households, or 53.32 percent, are connected to the sewerage network. However, expanding the sewerage network and preventing polluted water from reaching the Gomti through drains remains a major challenge.

According to available data, approximately 546.77 MLD of domestic sewage is generated in Lucknow, while the actual discharge is about 880.70 MLD. Of this, 690.33 MLD flows through drains and 190.71 MLD through the sewer network.

The Executive Director of the State Drinking Water and Sanitation Mission, Joginder Singh, stated that keeping rivers clean is a priority for the department. He added that newly identified drains would soon be brought under treatment, helping improve the condition of the Gomti River.

A total of 10 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been installed in the city, with a combined treatment capacity of about 629.5 MLD. However, there is a gap between actual sewage discharge and the existing treatment capacity.

The Gomti River flows for approximately 30 kilometres through Lucknow. Earlier, 33 drains were listed as discharging into the river, but the drone survey identified 12 additional drains, taking the total number of drains to 45.

Out of these 45 drains, approximately 75 MLD of discharge from 12 drains has already been tapped. Five drains were found not to require tapping, while the remaining 28 drains account for approximately 260 MLD of discharge.

Under the Namami Gange programme, a 39 MLD STP was completed on November 4, 2024, and operation and maintenance of the plant have been underway since November 5, 2024.

The initiative to clean the Gomti River is significant, as it will help improve the overall water quality and reduce pollution in the river. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and public health in Lucknow.

In conclusion, the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to build a 45-drain sewage network to clean the Gomti River is a crucial step towards reducing river pollution and improving the environment in Lucknow. The project's success will depend on the effective implementation of the plan and the cooperation of the local community.