Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently launched an innovative project by the Municipal Corporation focused on cleaning drains that flow into the Rapti River. This project, worth Rs 2.7 crore, uses a natural method called phytoremediation, which involves using plants to purify the water. The method is environmentally friendly and is expected to save on both electricity and maintenance costs, ensuring long-term benefits.
At the event in Takiaghat, the Chief Minister praised the Municipal Corporation’s efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the Rapti River. He pointed out that the project not only cleans the river but also prevents the need for recurring expenses, contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources and preserving soil fertility.
The CM also referred to the negative impact of polluted water, citing past tragedies in Gorakhpur and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where pollution was a major factor in the deaths of nearly 50,000 children due to encephalitis and other diseases between 1977 and 2017. He credited initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Amrit Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving access to clean water in both urban and rural areas.
In addition, the CM mentioned that projects like Namami Gange and Har Ghar Nal Yojana have not only helped in cleaning rivers but also worked to preserve the cultural significance of these water bodies.
राप्ती नदी के शुद्धिकरण का जो यह प्रयास प्रारंभ हुआ है… pic.twitter.com/5r7wp1ojWs
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 3, 2025
The Rapti River Project: A Model of Sustainable Development
The phytoremediation project utilises natural methods to filter and purify wastewater before it enters the Rapti River. Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal explained the process, detailing that pre-filters, gabion walls made of natural stones, and aquatic plants were installed along the drains. These measures allow water purification without chemical or mechanical intervention.
The project, which processes 15 million liters of water daily, has significantly improved the river’s water quality. “The BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) level, which once reached a toxic 350, has now been brought down to a safe level of 22,” revealed the CM.
The Municipal Corporation had earlier proposed constructing a sewage treatment plant (STP) at a cost of Rs 110 crore, but the state government opted for this cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister interacted with local residents, including children and women. He asked a young student, Aashiya, about her studies and gifted chocolates to the children. CM Yogi also urged officials to expand the project by incorporating other drains and scaling up natural purification methods.
Mayor Dr Manglesh Shrivastava and MLA Vipin Singh, among other dignitaries, addressed the function, highlighting the significance of this project as a benchmark for sustainable development.
जल ही जीवन है…
गोरखपुर में राप्ती नदी का जल अविरल और निर्मल रहे, स्वच्छ व सुंदर रहे, इसके लिए 'प्राकृतिक विधि द्वारा जल शोधन तंत्र परियोजना' का आज शुभारंभ किया।
जनपद वासियों को हार्दिक बधाई एवं परियोजना से जुड़ी पूरी टीम का हृदय से अभिनंदन! pic.twitter.com/l0CpNdyQCO
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 3, 2025
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath focused on the importance of keeping these water bodies clean as a vital part of the nation’s cultural and historical legacy. By using natural phytoremediation methods, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to ensure rivers remain a source of life and cultural pride.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the relevance of such projects by drawing a comparison with the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where river conservation plays a key role. He explained that the initiatives, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, are transforming river ecosystems across the country.
“The integration of sustainable models like this not only ensures the preservation of water purity but also supports cost efficiency,” said the CM. He further emphasized that the project exemplifies how traditional environmental methods can be adapted and modernized to address today’s ecological challenges, making it both a practical and innovative approach to water conservation.
