Gomti’s riverfront development to extend up to Shaheed Path ­

The Gomti's riverfront development project, limited to a 1.5-km stretch, from Hanuman Setu to Pucca Pul earlier, will now have a broader reach. The project will span across 12 km from Pucca Pull and go up to Shaheed Path.

With chief minister Akhilesh Yadav laying the foundation stone of the ambitious 'Gomti Riverfront', on Tuesday, residents can hope to see a much cleaner and greener riverbank developed on an international pattern.

The state government has made the irrigation department the nodal agency to revive the river in three ways. There will be extensive cleaning of the riverbed and water flow will be regulated through river channelization. Besides, the surroundings will be made beautiful, there will be walking plazas, cycling and jogging track and ghats, along the banks. The department is aiming to complete all three projects on the 12km stretch by 2016.

Though mechanical cleaning of the river started two months ago, the CM's formal launch will kick-start construction of the 12- 15-meter deep diaphragm wall on both sides. A diaphragm wall strengthens the banks and forms a regular channel for even water flow. The wall would be six meters above the water level. 

The department is working on a plan to connect the Gomti with a tributary of the Sharda Canal to maintain smooth supply during dry weather. Riverfront beautification includes landscaping, development of parks, ghats, construction of cycling and jogging pathways, creation of children's play area, lawns, sports fields, tonga track and deploying boating facility on the river. Jal Nigam and LMC have been asked to ensure that no sewage flows into the river directly from nallas. All drains need to be tapped and diverted to a sewage treatment plant before flowing into the river.

With so many departments working on it, a high-level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of chief secretary Alok Ranjan to monitor the progress and ensure that all agencies work in tandem. The 10-member committee includes officials from departments like irrigation and water resources, housing and urban planning, urban development, Jal Nigam, along with the divisional commissioner and DM of Lucknow. Highlights:

SEWAGE DIVERSION: Jal Nigam and LMC have been asked to ensure that no sewage flows into the river directly from nullahs. All drains need to be tapped and diverted to the STP for treatment of sewage before flowing into river.

BRIDGE ILLUMINATION- All permanent constructions on the river - bridge, barrage etc would be illuminated with fancy exotic lighting. German lightings have already been used at Gomti Barrage.

SHARDA SUPPLY TO GOMTI- Irrigation department would link a tributary of Sharda to Gomti in upstream region to supply water during emergency. This canal is expected to supply 750 cusec of water in need.

INSPIRED FROM INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS- The riverfront in Lucknow will draw inspiration from international projects of Tokyo, wetland area near Putrajaya Lake in Malaysia, Danube River in Vienna, Olympic Park on Thames (London) etc.

LUCKNOW EYE ON BANKS- On the riverfront, LDA will be installing approx. 100 metre high giant ferry wheel called Lucknow Eye on patterns of London Eye on Thames. From it, people can have a bird's eye view of the city below.

BOATING FACILITY- Since plans are on to maintain a regular flow into the river, irrigation department is planning to deploy boating facility. This would be the biggest attraction for tourists.

FLUSHING OUT DIRTY WATER- For the first time in UP, all the dirty water has been flushed out from a riverbed to allow mechanical cleaning. The process will make way for clean water supply from nearby canal into the river.

LDA'S PROJECT SIMULTANEOUSLY- Alongside irrigation department, LDA will also continue beautifying 1.5 km of left riverbank from Hanuman Setu to Pucca Pull. This will have development of pathways, cycling track, landscaping etc.

Quick Facts: Total 30 km of river stretch flows within Lucknow Out of it, 12 kms will be chosen for developing riverfront Starts from Pucca Pull to Gomti Barrage in first phase (8 km) Later, river from Gomti Barrage to Shaheed Path will be beautified In first phase, cost of revival estimated at Rs 600 crore Till Shaheed path (4 km more), additional Rs 300 crore required.

What are we looking for?

Based on empirical evidences and experiences in recent past we are looking at a water catastrophe in India. The country faces drought or deluge, millions moving out of agriculture and then into urban systems without any transition or training. This will not only give to loss of life and land but can be a reason of major unrest in India.

At this point of time we are aiming to build a strong representation to protect water and natural systems at the local level. We want policy interventions and strong implementation at states level to keep natural resources untouched and free to take their own form for generations to come.

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Source -http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Gomtis­riverfront­development­to­extend­up­to­Shaheed­Path/articleshowprint/46843549.cms

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