With an aim to spruce up Gomti river and make it a tourist destination Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has proposed development of river front and embankment of the right side of the river up to Shahid Path.
The directives were issued during a review meeting of the Irrigation department here on Monday in which several pending projects were discussed in detail.
“This is a fact that beautification of river flowing through city has given a new meaning to the city across the world. Similarly, beautification of Gomti river can add a sheen to the majestic grandeur of the city,” Yadav said.
Chief Minister said that the river front should be developed in such a way that it should be helpful for the people. Cycle tracks should be built at the banks of the rivers. lucknow is the city of tongas and riverfront should accommodate tongas too. Besides small gardens should be built for the people of this city, he said.
Many proposals were discussed during the meeting which includes construction of a 45 meter master plan road at the right bank of the Gomti upto Sahid path. Officials also apprised CM of rubber dam project that would ensure continuous flow of water in Gomti river.
“Efforts should be made to make Gomti clean. Disposal of waste is the main challenge in keeping river clean. It is known fact that river is clean till it enters city but once it enters city waste is poured into the river making it dirty. Therefore waste should be treated before effluent is thrown in the river,” Yadav said.
He said in last three years government has done a commendable job in Irrigation department. Many pending projects have been cleared. “In Bundelkhand area the previous government had made an announcement to start projects worth Rs 3000 crore but nothing was done. This government has cleared 13 pending projects of which four have been completed and the rest nine projects will be completed within next two years,” Chief Minister said.
“The insensitivity of the previous governments could be gauged from the fact that Kanhar irrigation project in Sonebhadra was started 33 years back but its progress was not satisfactory. Government not only provided additional funds from NABARD but also provided Rs 315 crore,” he said.
Irrigation Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav also aired his views.