Sewage water chokes Gomti, leaves it gasping for breath in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: The level of dissolved oxygen on a 25km stretch of Gomti in Lucknow has drastically declined to a critical level, predominantly due to unabated discharge of effluents, endangering the riverine ecosystem.
Near La Martiniere College, a 500m stretch of the river is choked with toxic foam, signaling severe pollution. Water hyacinth infestation further adds to the woes.

The issue stems mainly from water diversions and obstructions at Gaughat for repairs, leading to stagnant, pond-like conditions.
A reality check by TOI and a survey on dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, overseen by Prof Venkatesh Dutta of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, has brought this critical situation to light.
Dutta noted that DO from 9.5 to 12 is best suited for aquatic fauna.
But the survey recorded DO levels dipping at various points, beginning upstream at Chandrika Devi.
At Chandrika Devi the DO level was 5.5 mg/l and by the time the river reaches Gaughat, the level drops to 3 mg/l and at Kudiyaghat the level is 2.8 mg/l.
DO levels past this point were not measured but it is expected that it could plummet further between 0 and 1 mg/l downstream.
Different fish species require varying dissolved oxygen levels. If DO levels decrease to about 3-4 mg/l, even the strongest fish may suffocate. At zero level, fish can’t survive. If DO is 4, only a few can live; at 6.5, most fish can live, and from 9.5 to 12, all fish can live.
“We found an imminent crisis for aquatic life. Fish and other river species depend on sufficient DO for survival. Pollution from untreated sewage, fertilizers, and human waste depletes oxygen, leading to mass suffocation of these organisms,” Dutta said.
He questioned the effectiveness of the Namami Gange project, which is intended to clean the river. He pointed out that 38 drains are dumping untreated waste into the river. Despite claims that these drains have been diverted to sewage treatment plants in Bharwara and Daulatganj, they still release untreated sewage into the river.
The proliferation of water hyacinth and river channelization, combined with poor water circulation management, have further deteriorated the water quality. Dutta emphasized the need to reuse water and allow it to return to its natural course.
Prof Dhruvsen Singh, a geologist at Lucknow University, described the 25Km stretch of the Gomti as “practically dead”. He cited several factors like excessive groundwater extraction and inadequate winter rainfall that have lowered water levels and increased pollutant concentrations.
“The river cleans itself, but obstructions and continuous effluent discharge have left it gasping. These impediments must be removed, and a system should be put in place to allow rainwater to enter the river. Though it will take time, it will rejuvenate the river,” Singh said.
Addressing the issue requires enhancing sewage treatment infrastructure. Failure to do so threatens public health due to polluted water, impacts the livelihoods of those reliant on the river ecosystem, and deteriorates the river’s aesthetics.
SP Saroj of Jal Nigam (Rural), who oversees the Gomti cleaning project under the Namami Gange initiative, denied that even tapped drains are discharging effluent into the river. He mentioned ongoing efforts to tap eight untapped drains—three in Faizullahganj, three in Gomtinagar Extension, one in Barikala (Vasantkunj), and one at Qila Mohammadi.
“Tendering for three drain tapping has been done. Efforts are ongoing for the others. We aim to stop sewage discharge into Gomti within one and a half years, making it pollution-free,” Saroj added. He also noted that 189.5 MLD sewage treatment plant is currently under construction in the city.