Gomti River Restoration

Setting the Context

Flowing through the heart of Lucknow, the Gomti River has for centuries been more than just a river — it has been the city’s lifeline, spiritual axis, and natural guardian. Originating from the Gomat Taal in Pilibhit, this river travels nearly 960 kilometers before merging with the Ganges near Saidpur in Ghazipur district. 

Along its course, it nourishes key towns like Sultanpur, Jaunpur, and Lucknow, weaving through the cultural and ecological fabric of Uttar Pradesh.

However, in recent decades, the Gomti River has faced a gradual but devastating decline due to rampant urbanization, untreated sewage discharge, and reckless construction along its banks. 

Projects like the Gomti Riverfront Development have prioritized beautification over ecological sustainability, choking the river’s natural flow and degrading its health.

Key Problems Facing the River 

The deterioration of the Gomti River is not just visible — it’s measurable. From sewage overflow to toxic contaminants, the river suffers from a web of interconnected problems that threaten its survival and the well-being of cities it touches.

Sewage and Wastewater Pollution

One of the most pressing issues is the discharge of untreated sewage into the river. As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Lucknow generates over 450 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, of which only about 300 MLD is treated — leaving a treatment gap of more than 150 MLD. 

This untreated waste finds its way directly into the Gomti, especially through stormwater drains that double as sewage carriers.

The river’s Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) — a key indicator of organic pollution — has been recorded as high as 50 mg/litre in some stretches, which is ten times the permissible limit set for bathing-quality water. 

According to Down To Earth, the river in many urban pockets resembles a slow-moving drain more than a natural water body.

Solid Waste Dumping

Solid waste accumulation is another major threat. Every day, several tonnes of plastic, industrial scraps, and domestic garbage are dumped into or near the river. 

An investigative report by The Wire reveals that the Gomti’s banks are littered with unsegregated waste, especially in the slum regions of Lucknow and Sultanpur, where waste management systems are either absent or ineffective.

What makes the problem worse is the lack of decentralized waste processing. Despite India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, the Gomti continues to be choked with plastic carry bags, food containers, and even biomedical waste.

Water Quality Degradation

The river’s water quality has drastically fallen, with high levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. 

A study by Amity University found alarming levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) near urban centers, indicating contamination from industrial effluents.

This infographic provides key facts about the Gomti River, highlighting it as a 900-km-long groundwater-fed river with a basin area of 30,437 km² and four tributaries. It also mentions its mythological significance, pollution issues, and its confluence with the Ganga River.

Visual signs like foaming, dark coloration, and foul smell are routine in several urban stretches. According to Mongabay India, the stretch of the river in Lucknow is one of the most degraded due to poor flow and constant pollution.

Loss of Biodiversity

The Gomti was once home to over 35 species of fish and a thriving ecosystem of birds, reptiles, and aquatic plants. Today, much of this biodiversity is under threat. A local university survey noted that over 60% of native fish species have disappeared from urban stretches of the river.

The disappearance of keystone species like the Indian river dolphin and the decline in migratory birds reflect the shrinking ecological balance. This collapse affects not just the river but the communities dependent on it for livelihood, such as local fishers and farmers.

Riverbank Encroachment

Encroachment on riverbanks has constricted the Gomti’s natural width. According to the Lucknow Development Authority, more than 40% of the natural riverbank has been altered due to construction, slums, and unauthorized urban development. 

Concrete embankments and real estate projects have squeezed the river’s flow and disrupted groundwater recharge.

The Gomti Riverfront Development Project — although visually appealing — has been criticized for prioritizing cement over ecology, creating long-term sustainability risks.

Groundwater Contamination

The pollution isn’t confined to the river alone. A CAG audit report observed that high levels of nitrates and heavy metals have seeped into the groundwater along the river, especially in areas near industrial clusters. 

Residents using shallow borewells have reported an increase in waterborne diseases, indicating that groundwater aquifers are being silently poisoned.

Consequences of River Neglect

The neglect of the Gomti River isn’t just an environmental tragedy — it’s a human crisis. Its contamination has far-reaching consequences for public health, economic stability, and social equity across Uttar Pradesh. Ignoring the river’s slow decay means accepting a future of compounding risks and irreversible damage.

Public Health Risks

The direct discharge of untreated sewage into the Gomti has triggered a rise in waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. 

According to a study published by the Indian Journal of Public Health, areas surrounding polluted stretches of the Gomti show significantly higher rates of gastrointestinal infections, especially among children and the elderly.

During monsoons, when drainage systems overflow, the situation becomes even more dangerous. The National Centre for Disease Control has warned that urban flooding in cities like Lucknow — worsened by river pollution and encroachment — increases the spread of vector-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya.

Increased Urban Flooding

River mismanagement has amplified the risk of urban flooding, particularly in Lucknow. Concrete embankments, illegal constructions, and silt accumulation in the Gomti bed have reduced the river’s natural carrying capacity. 

As reported by The Times of India, the river breached the danger mark in 2019, leading to waterlogging in major residential areas and affecting thousands.

This map shows the Gomti River basin in Uttar Pradesh, India, clearly marking the Upper and Lower Gomti regions and the surrounding tributaries. It includes a legend and inset map of India to indicate the river’s geographic location.

Experts from IIT-Kanpur have repeatedly called for data-driven flood management systems, warning that land-use violations along the river corridor make cities more vulnerable to extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Economic Losses

The economic burden of a polluted river is deeply underestimated. Hospitals in Gomti-side cities report a consistent rise in waterborne diseases, leading to increased public health spending. 

Additionally, real estate values in riverside communities have dipped due to poor sanitation and odor. A 2022 report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimated that riverside pollution costs urban economies millions annually in healthcare, lost tourism, and reduced productivity.

Moreover, the fishing community — once sustained by the river’s biodiversity — is experiencing livelihood erosion. The disappearance of edible fish species from polluted stretches has devastated rural economies dependent on small-scale fishing.

Social Inequality

Environmental degradation often amplifies existing social inequalities, and the Gomti is no exception. Slum populations and low-income communities living near the river are the first to suffer from flooding, contaminated water, and loss of livelihoods. 

A field report by Oxfam India found that over 60% of urban poor settlements along the Gomti lack proper sewage and waste management systems, making them disproportionately vulnerable.

Women and children, in particular, face the brunt of ecological neglect — from walking longer distances to fetch clean water to dealing with health complications due to chronic exposure to pollutants. 

As these communities are often excluded from formal decision-making, their voices are absent in the very planning processes that affect them most.

Why Past Efforts Have Failed

Over the past two decades, various schemes have promised to clean and rejuvenate the Gomti River. Yet, the degradation has only accelerated. Despite good intentions, past efforts have repeatedly failed due to systemic flaws, misaligned priorities, and the absence of an inclusive, data-driven, and ecological approach.

Fragmented Governance and Lack of Accountability

One of the biggest barriers to effective river restoration in India is fragmented institutional responsibility. 

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found that overlapping jurisdictions between municipal corporations, pollution control boards, and state water departments create confusion and inefficiency in river rejuvenation projects. 

The Gomti has suffered from the same governance gaps, where no single authority is held fully accountable for its health.

In Lucknow, for instance, the Gomti Riverfront Development Project focused more on beautification than addressing core pollution sources, such as untreated sewage. 

A 2017 report by The Hindu revealed massive financial irregularities and poor planning, with nearly ₹1,500 crore spent with limited ecological impact.

Focus on Beautification Over Ecological Restoration

Efforts have largely centered on urban landscaping and construction projects rather than true river restoration. 

The Gomti Riverfront project prioritized recreational pathways and ornamental lighting, even as BOD and fecal coliform levels in the river continued to exceed safe limits.

According to Down To Earth, these cosmetic changes did not address the real issues: inflow of untreated sewage, lack of bioremediation infrastructure, and solid waste management failures.

No Real-Time Monitoring Systems

Another major gap has been the absence of real-time data to guide cleanup and policy efforts. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) does monitor water quality across India, but Gomti-specific data is often outdated, incomplete, or difficult for citizens to access.

Without IoT-based pollution sensors, digital dashboards, or open-access environmental databases, it becomes nearly impossible for local communities, researchers, and civil society groups to track progress or hold stakeholders accountable.

Lack of Continuous Citizen Engagement

Most government efforts have lacked community ownership, a key ingredient in any successful environmental initiative. Projects are often top-down, with limited input from local residents, environmental NGOs, or student groups.

An assessment by TERI emphasized that citizen science, community monitoring, and environmental education play a pivotal role in ensuring long-term river health. 

In the case of the Gomti, there has been little investment in sustained public awareness, volunteer training, or green job creation to involve youth and local workers in the clean-up mission.

What Needs to Be Done — The Blueprint for Complete River Restoration

Reviving the Gomti River requires a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy that integrates ecological restoration, technological innovation, community engagement, and policy reform. Drawing lessons from successful river rejuvenation projects, a tailored approach for the Gomti can be structured as follows:

Strengthening Sewage Treatment Infrastructure

A significant contributor to the Gomti’s pollution is the discharge of untreated sewage. Recent assessments indicate that numerous drains, particularly in urban centers like Lucknow, release waste directly into the river, exacerbating contamination levels. 

To mitigate this, it’s imperative to upgrade existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) and construct new ones, ensuring they operate at full capacity. Implementing decentralized wastewater treatment systems can also address sewage from peri-urban and rural areas, reducing the burden on centralized facilities, as highlighted in reports by the Times of India.

Implementing Integrated Solid Waste Management

Solid waste, especially plastic debris, poses a severe threat to the Gomti’s ecosystem. An integrated waste management system encompassing segregation at source, efficient collection, recycling, and safe disposal is crucial. 

Community-based initiatives, such as those promoting zero-waste practices, can play a pivotal role in reducing the influx of solid waste into the river, with successful examples seen in Go for Gomti’s efforts in Lucknow.

Restoring Natural Riverine Ecosystems

The health of the Gomti is intrinsically linked to its surrounding ecosystems. Urbanization has led to the degradation of wetlands and floodplains, which are vital for maintaining the river’s flow and biodiversity. 

Restoration efforts should focus on reforestation, wetland conservation, and the revival of tributaries and ponds within the Gomti basin. Such nature-based solutions can enhance the river’s resilience against pollution and climate change impacts, as demonstrated by ongoing projects in the region.

Enhancing Monitoring and Data Transparency

Effective river management hinges on accurate and timely data. Establishing a comprehensive monitoring system that tracks water quality parameters in real-time can inform policy decisions and prompt corrective actions. 

Public access to this data fosters transparency and encourages community participation in river conservation efforts, a model being implemented in various global river restoration projects.

Engaging Communities Through Education and Participation

Community involvement is paramount for the sustainable restoration of the Gomti. Educational campaigns highlighting the river’s cultural and ecological significance can galvanize public support. 

Workshops and training programs can equip citizens with the knowledge and skills to participate in cleanup drives, monitoring activities, and advocacy efforts. These efforts have already been successfully initiated by local NGOs like Go for Gomti, inspiring community-driven action.

Leveraging Policy and Governance Reforms

Policy interventions must align with restoration objectives. This includes enforcing regulations against illegal discharges, incentivizing industries to adopt cleaner technologies, and integrating river health considerations into urban planning. 

Collaborative governance models that involve multiple stakeholders—government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector—can ensure cohesive and effective action, as seen in various successful case studies around the world.

Mobilizing Financial Resources and Partnerships

Securing adequate funding is essential for implementing restoration projects. Public-private partnerships can mobilize resources, while corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can provide financial and technical support.

Engaging international organizations and tapping into climate finance mechanisms can also bolster funding for large-scale interventions, as exemplified by major river cleanup projects supported by global organizations.

Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution

Earth5R has already demonstrated its ability to drive change, notably in Mumbai through its Mumbai River Cleanup Project, which has gained recognition as a model of successful river restoration. With its data-driven approach and community-first mobilization strategies, Earth5R stands ready to guide the Gomti’s revitalization.

Data-Driven River Health Diagnosis

The first step in Earth5R’s approach is diagnosing the river’s health using advanced data analytics and real-time monitoring systems. 

By deploying Internet of Things (IoT) sensors throughout the river, Earth5R tracks crucial water quality parameters such as BOD, COD, and fecal coliform levels, providing accurate, up-to-date information on pollution sources. 

This data is then made publicly available through transparent dashboards, empowering citizens and stakeholders to actively engage in monitoring and decision-making. 

Such technology platforms have already proved successful in projects around the world, such as the Ganga River Rejuvenation Project, which saw improvements in water quality through continuous monitoring and transparent data sharing.

Community-First Mobilization and Training

A cornerstone of Earth5R’s approach is its emphasis on community ownership. Earth5R recognizes that long-term river restoration requires active participation from local communities. 

To foster this, Earth5R’s team conducts comprehensive training programs and workshops designed to build environmental awareness and practical skills for river conservation. 

Programs like Riverkeeper Training encourage local citizens to take responsibility for maintaining the health of their rivers. This model has proven successful in Mumbai, where citizen-driven initiatives, in partnership with Earth5R, significantly contributed to the restoration of the Mithi River.

Ecological Restoration Based on Science

Ecological restoration is another critical component of Earth5R’s BlueCities approach. Based on scientific research, Earth5R implements strategies such as wetland restoration, planting native vegetation, and reintroducing biodiversity corridors along riverbanks to restore the river’s ecological balance. 

Earth5R has successfully employed these techniques in other projects, contributing to significant improvements in local biodiversity. For instance, in Pune, Earth5R’s ecological restoration efforts for the Mula-Mutha River led to the revival of native fish species and the restoration of vital ecosystems.

Corporate, CSR, and Government Partnership Models

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays a vital role in funding and driving river restoration projects. Earth5R partners with corporations to channel CSR funds into sustainable river health initiatives. 

These partnerships provide essential financial support and technical expertise, helping to ensure the success of large-scale projects. By involving both the public and private sectors, Earth5R’s model ensures that resources are maximized for long-term success. 

Notably, Earth5R has collaborated with multinational companies on projects such as the Mumbai River Cleanup, showcasing the effectiveness of corporate partnerships in driving environmental change.

Technology Platforms for Real-Time Monitoring and Citizen Engagement

Earth5R’s use of technology platforms is one of the defining features of its river restoration strategy. By leveraging real-time data collection tools, Earth5R allows citizens to monitor water quality, waste levels, and biodiversity health directly through accessible mobile apps and public dashboards. 

These platforms are integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to predict pollution events and alert communities in real time. In cities like Mumbai and Pune, these systems have helped local authorities respond promptly to emerging environmental threats. 

The integration of smart city technology within Earth5R’s projects has paved the way for future urban sustainability models.

Livelihood Creation Programs Linked to Green Economy

A sustainable river restoration project also needs to focus on generating livelihoods for local communities. Earth5R supports this by establishing green jobs linked to waste management, eco-tourism, and environmental education. 

Earth5R’s work with local communities in Mumbai, through projects like the Mithi River Revival, is a prime example of how livelihood programs can be effectively integrated into environmental conservation efforts.

Why Earth5R’s BlueCities Model Is the Right Fit for Gomti River Restoration

The Gomti River, a vital lifeline for Uttar Pradesh, is facing severe ecological degradation due to pollution, encroachment, and unregulated urban development. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and scalable approach. 

Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative offers a comprehensive model that integrates environmental restoration, community engagement, and technological innovation, making it an ideal solution for the Gomti River’s revival.

Proven Success in Urban River Restoration

Earth5R has demonstrated its effectiveness in urban river restoration through projects like the Mithi River cleanup in Mumbai. 

By employing a combination of community mobilization, scientific interventions, and sustainable waste management, the initiative transformed the heavily polluted river into a cleaner and more vibrant ecosystem. This success story underscores the potential of replicating similar strategies for the Gomti River.

Community-Centric Approach

A cornerstone of the BlueCities model is its emphasis on community involvement. In the Mula-Mutha River cleanup in Pune, Earth5R engaged local residents through weekly cleanup drives, educational workshops, and cultural activities. 

This approach not only fostered a sense of ownership among the community but also ensured the sustainability of the restoration efforts. Implementing similar community-driven initiatives along the Gomti River can lead to long-term positive outcomes.

Integration of Technology and Data Analytics

Earth5R leverages advanced technologies such as IoT sensors and data analytics to monitor river health in real-time. These tools enable the identification of pollution sources, assessment of water quality, and tracking of restoration progress. 

By adopting such technological solutions, stakeholders involved in the Gomti River restoration can make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions effectively.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The BlueCities initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13). 

By focusing on ecological restoration, waste management, and community engagement, Earth5R’s model contributes to broader environmental and social objectives, making it a comprehensive solution for the Gomti River’s challenges.

Data Snapshot: Current Status of the Gomti River

A Call to Action: How You Can Help Restore the Gomti River

The Gomti River, a vital lifeline for Uttar Pradesh, is facing severe ecological degradation due to pollution, encroachment, and unregulated urban development. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and scalable approach. 

Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative offers a comprehensive model that integrates environmental restoration, community engagement, and technological innovation, making it an ideal solution for the Gomti River’s revival.

Join the BlueCities Expert Network

Environmental professionals, CSR leaders, ESG consultants, and sustainability educators are invited to become part of the BlueCities Expert Network. 

This platform fosters collaboration on river restoration projects, enabling experts to contribute their knowledge and skills towards sustainable urban development.

Participate in Community Clean-Up Drives

Local residents can actively participate in community clean-up drives organized by Earth5R. These initiatives not only help in removing waste from the riverbanks but also raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy river ecosystem. 

For instance, similar efforts have been successful in the Mithi River cleanup in Mumbai, where community involvement played a crucial role in the river’s restoration.

Support Circular Economy Initiatives

Supporting Earth5R’s circular economy initiatives can significantly contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. By participating in programs that focus on recycling and upcycling, individuals can help in minimizing the environmental impact and fostering a culture of sustainability. 

Earth5R’s circular economy projects have been instrumental in transforming waste into valuable resources, thereby supporting both environmental and economic development.

Educate and Raise Awareness

Education is a powerful tool in promoting environmental conservation. By organizing workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns, individuals can educate others about the significance of the Gomti River and the steps needed for its restoration. 

Earth5R’s initiatives emphasize the importance of community education in fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.