Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the banks of the Kukrail River in Lucknow into a picturesque and modern riverfront, akin to the celebrated Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. This visionary project aims not only to beautify the area but also to revive a river that has faced significant environmental challenges over the past few decades.

A River Revived

The Kukrail River, once a vital tributary of the Gomti River, had suffered from severe neglect and encroachments over the last 40 years, effectively reducing it to a mere drain. Illegal structures had choked the river, exacerbating environmental problems for Lucknow. In a determined effort to restore the river, the state government initiated a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. The removal of 8,000 illegal structures from the riverbed marked a significant milestone in this battle, leading to the resurgence of water flow in the Kukrail River.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised the broader impact of these efforts, stating, "This is not just about cleaning a river; it’s about restoring the ecological balance and ensuring a better future for our citizens."

Focus on Ecotourism

As part of the revival efforts, the Chief Minister has highlighted the importance of ecotourism. The newly established Ecotourism Development Board aims to promote sustainable tourism practices while educating the public about environmental conservation. The board’s logo was recently unveiled, underscoring its commitment to blending entertainment with environmental education.

"We want people to enjoy the beauty of the Kukrail riverfront while understanding the importance of preserving our natural resources," said an official from the Ecotourism Development Board.

Spiritual and Ecotourism Synergy

CM Yogi Adityanath also pointed to the potential for integrating spiritual tourism with ecotourism. Uttar Pradesh is home to significant spiritual sites such as Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, which attract millions of tourists annually. By combining these spiritual attractions with the natural beauty of the Kukrail riverfront, the state aims to create a holistic tourism experience that caters to diverse interests.

"The rich spiritual heritage of Uttar Pradesh can support robust ecotourism development, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions," the Chief Minister noted.

Development Blueprint

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has been tasked with managing the development of the Kukrail riverfront. A draft has been prepared for creating a special purpose vehicle (SPV) named Lucknow Riverfront Development Corporation Ltd. A dedicated committee has already conducted a site inspection and tour of the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad to gather insights for this project.

Officials announced that a consultant is currently preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the riverfront development, which will soon be presented to the Chief Minister. Following his instructions, departments have been tasked with making the Kukrail River clean and pollution-free. The goal is to stop dirty drains from flowing into the river, beautify the riverbanks, develop the site, and create a green belt.

Steps to Clean the Kukrail River

The project includes intercepting 39 drains that flow into the river to prevent pollution. In the first phase, work on tapping 17 drains is 95% complete. The interception of 12 drains is ongoing and will be finished by the end of this month. In the second phase, 22 more drains will be tapped to prevent 6 million litres per day (MLD) of untreated sewage from entering the Kukrail River.

To maintain a minimum water flow, a 40 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be built to release treated effluent upstream into the river. This STP will be constructed on a 1.50-hectare plot in Akbarnagar, after demolishing illegal constructions on municipal land.

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The revival of the Kukrail River is seen as a positive step towards environmental conservation and sustainable growth. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision for a beautiful and modern riverfront in Lucknow promises to enhance the city's environment, promote ecotourism, and improve the quality of life for its residents.

"The Kukrail riverfront project is a testament to our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable urban development," CM Yogi Adityanath remarked.

With these efforts, Lucknow is set to have a vibrant and clean riverfront that will be a source of pride and joy for its residents. The Kukrail riverfront project is expected to not only rejuvenate the river but also transform it into a major attraction, fostering both local and international tourism. As the city gears up for this transformation, the project stands as a beacon of hope and progress, reflecting the government’s dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future.