Lucknow: Gomti, the lifeline of 1.5 crore people and home to over 200 species of flora and fauna, is gradually drying up due to multiple reasons, mostly human activity and some natural factors, a recent field survey conducted by a team of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) has revealed.
The survey covered the origin of the river in Pilibhit and the districts through which it flows, such as Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Hardoi.
In Pilibhit, an area of about 15 km near the source was found dry due to very low water at the source (Phulhar Lake) and disruption in natural flow. The river flow was also slow in Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Sitapur.
The river was found to be shallow and narrow in many stretches, leading to the spread of invasive plants such as water hyacinth. Congress grass was also found in abundance on some beaches, disrupting natural vegetation growth.
These conditions were observed at several locations, including Fulhar Lake (Madhotanda, Pilibhit), Triveni Ghat (Ghatampur), Panna Ghat (Shahjahanpur), Imalia Ghat (Lakhimpur Kheri) and stretches of Sitapur and Hardoi, where low flows and eroded banks have allowed invasive species to spread.
In these areas, encroachment was recorded through deforestation of natural vegetation, unprotected wetlands and farming and construction on both banks, further weakening the river system.
The survey also found that many tributaries of Gomti are under stress. The Katna stream in Pipariya Bhaja (Pilibhit) has become seasonal and remains almost dry or stagnant during non-monsoon months, while the Bhainsi river in Shahjahanpur often dries up in summer.
Due to encroachment and sand mining in the Durga River near Sukatiya (Pilibhit-Lakhimpur Kheri section) the depth has reduced and the flow is slow. Similarly, the flow of the Behta River in Hardoi has weakened due to land leveling for farming, which suggests that many tributaries either carry very little water or face periodic drying up.
The survey also revealed that excessive groundwater absorption near the river has caused irreversible damage to the baseflow, resulting in water depletion in the river. There is a possibility of increase especially at the Sharda Canal bifurcation point at Puranpur (Madhotanda, Pilibhit) and through Devipur Minor near Phulhar Lake. However, during periods of low flow this water does not return adequately, leading to reduced flows in Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Hardoi.
pollution The level was found high at many places along the banks of Gomti. At Triveni Ghat (Ghatampur, Pilibhit) and Panna Ghat (Shahjahanpur), the river has been polluted due to dumping of ritual waste, flowers, clothes and plastic associated with religious activities.
At Imalia Ghat (Lakhimpur Kheri), picnic and recreational waste, especially thermocol plates and single-use plastics, were observed along the banks.
In Sitapur, the Sarayan River near Hargaon – a major tributary – is polluted by untreated waste water and agricultural runoff from about 40 drains as well as effluent from a sugar mill, leading to algae growth.
In Hardoi, faecal pollution due to open defecation was observed in Sai river in Bhajehata.
In many parts of Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Hardoi, household waste and plastic waste were also found along the river banks, mainly due to poor waste management and low water flow, which reduces the natural ability of the river to clean itself.
“Human behaviour, lack of coordination among officials and administrative negligence have contributed to Gomti’s current condition,” said Professor Venkatesh Dutta, head of the Department of Environmental Sciences, who led the survey.
He said the river can still be revived by ensuring minimum flow at the source of Phulhar Lake. Researchers Rakesh Singh Kushwaha and Ankit Kumar said at least 20 cusecs of water should be supplied from the Sharda canal system to maintain the downstream flow.
The team emphasized protection of wetlands and natural drainage channels, removal of encroachments and protection of river banks to aid recovery. Professor Dutta said low-cost, nature-based solutions could improve the flow.
“Gomti’s status can be changed, but only if timely and coordinated action is taken,” said researchers Komal Loshali, Pragati Sharma and Ayushma Yadav.
