Lucknow to install barrier for Gomti River debris management

The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) will install a boom barrier in the Gomti River within a month. This barrier aims to reduce the problem of floating debris and water hyacinth. It is funded through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and will be placed behind Kudiya Ghat, according to officials. A boom barrier is a system designed to control debris in the water. It has a hinged bar that helps manage waste more effectively. LMC officials conducted a survey that showed water hyacinth is entering the river from upstream areas. Previously, stagnant water limited its spread, but now it is moving towards the city. LMC plans to add a river-cleaning machine later. Municipal commissioner Inderjit Singh mentioned that the corporation is working to clean and restructure the river. They have identified main pollution sources in the Gomti and are crafting a plan to address these issues with state government support. The boom barrier will help continuously remove hyacinth and other waste. Officials recently received clearance from the irrigation department, allowing them to move forward. Problem areas include the Gomti Barrage and Bhaisakund crematorium, where thick patches of hyacinth are present. LMC teams are prioritizing the Kudiya Ghat for cleaning, as the water flow is pushing hyacinth towards the riverfront. While they are deploying more vehicles and manpower, officials emphasized that it will take time to fully clear the river. The machine will operate continuously to tackle large amounts of hyacinth, which is a key step towards improving the Gomti's ecological health. LMC sees these efforts as vital for restoring the river and preventing environmental damage.