Lucknows Gomti cleanup gets a major boost

The Gomti River is set to witness a significant improvement in water quality as the Haider Canal sewage treatment plant (STP) nears full operational capacity. Designed to process 120 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, this facility is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating pollution and safeguarding the ecological health of the river.

The plant, located along Lohiapath Road in Lucknow, is part of a broader strategy to curb the direct discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies, a long-standing environmental challenge in the city. Currently, the Haider Canal STP is functioning at a partial capacity of 80 MLD, with authorities confident that the full 120 MLD treatment target will be achieved in the next six months. The plant joins other major treatment facilities, including the Bharwara STP (345 MLD) and Daulatganj STP (56 MLD), in the ongoing efforts to clean the Gomti. The establishment of a dedicated pipeline network, capable of diverting 115 MLD of effluent to the Bharwara STP, further strengthens these measures. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 10 lakh residents across key localities such as Rajajipuram, Rajendranagar, Charbagh, Mawaiya, Alambagh, Krishnanagar, and Singarnagar, where sewage previously flowed unchecked into the Haider Canal before merging into the Gomti.

The Haider Canal itself carries historical significance, having been constructed between 1814 and 1827 under the reign of Nawab Wazir of Awadh, Ghazi-ud-Din, to link the Gomti with the Ganga for irrigation purposes. Over time, however, rapid urbanisation and lack of adequate sewage management transformed the canal into a major contributor to river pollution. Experts overseeing the project highlight that during the monsoon, the canal’s flow can surge to 200 MLD, intensifying the urgency for sustainable wastewater management solutions. With the diversion pipeline in place, the risk of untreated sewage entering the Gomti will be substantially mitigated.

Municipal authorities have reiterated the environmental benefits of the STP, underscoring its role in restoring the ecological balance of the river. The project manager of the UP Jal Nigam noted that Lucknow generates nearly 670 MLD of sewage daily, and while the STP network—including Haider Canal—will collectively treat around 579 MLD, a shortfall of 100 MLD remains a concern. Addressing this gap requires further investment in wastewater infrastructure and stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.

The broader impact of this initiative extends beyond environmental restoration, as cleaner water bodies contribute to improved public health, groundwater recharge, and enhanced biodiversity. The Haider Canal STP is a critical step towards sustainable urban sanitation, offering a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges. While infrastructure development plays a key role, civic participation and awareness will be equally essential in ensuring that the gains achieved through these projects are sustained in the long term.