GOMTI

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Context

Controversy surrounding a government order (GO) issued by the irrigation department of the Uttar Pradesh government

Details

• The Uttar Pradesh government issued a government order (GO) declaring the Gomti River as a "non-perennial river."
• Water experts and river rights activists have criticized the GO.

Gomti River Background

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• Gomti is a tributary of the Ganga River and an alluvial river of the Ganga Plain.
• It originates near Mainkot, from Gomat Taala lake (Fulhar Jheel) in Madhotanda, around 30 kilometers from Pilibhit town.
• The river flows through Sitapur, Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Jaunpur before meeting the Ganga at Kaithi, Ghazipur district.
• The total length of the river is about 960 kilometers.
• Gomti supplies around 450 million liters per day of water to Lucknow.

Government Order Details

• The GO was issued regarding floodplain zoning for 12 rivers, including Gomti.
• The GO stated that Gomti is a non-perennial river, and environmental flow cannot be maintained throughout the year.
• It also declared a 50-meter no-construction zone on both banks of the river.

Criticisms and Concerns

• Water experts and activists argue that declaring Gomti as non-perennial is incorrect and undermines its importance.
• The GO contradicts the Allahabad High Court's order to stop construction within 100 meters of the river's banks.
• The declaration of Gomti as a seasonal river disregards its historical significance and the need for its continuous flow.

Environmental and Pollution Concerns

• Gomti River is in dire need of protection from pollution, exploitation, and encroachment.
• It is the fifth most polluted river in the country, according to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Chronology and NGT Case

• The GO defining floodplains was related to a case being heard by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• The NGT expressed dissatisfaction over encroachment and construction activities on the floodplains of rivers in 2018.
• The state government issued the letter defining floodplain zoning for the 12 rivers in 2020.

Violation of High Court Order

• The GO's no-construction zone declaration violates a 2010 Allahabad High Court order.
• The court had ordered the UP government to stop all construction activities within 100 meters of Gomti River banks.

Importance of Environmental Flow

• Experts argue that at least half of Gomti River's flow should be considered as an environmental flow (e-flow).
• Gomti's flow mainly relies on groundwater, emphasizing the need to ensure its continuous flow.

Lack of Notification and Public Awareness

• Voluntary groups concerned with rivers in Lucknow claim they were not notified about the GO.
• The GO came into public purview after the work on the green corridor project in Lucknow began.

Call for Protection and Sustainable Management

• Efforts are needed to protect the Gomti River from pollution, exploitation, and encroachment.
• Sustainable management strategies should be implemented to ensure the river's continuous flow and preservation of its ecological balance.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/urbanisation/dte-exclusive-2020-order-on-floodplain-zoning-declaring-gomti-non-perennial-river-draws-flak-90655