Gomti River declared as a non perennial river

Why in News?

Water experts and river rights activists have criticized a government order (GO) issued by the irrigation department of the Uttar Pradesh government on September 3, 2020 which declared the Gomti river as a non-perennial river

About the Order

The irrigation department of the Uttar Pradesh government issued a government order (GO) three years ago on September 3, 2020, designating the Gomti as a non-perennial river as part of the floodplain zoning for 12 rivers, including the Gomti. However, the order did not include a specific timeframe for its implementation.

Details of the order

  • According to the order, being a non-perennial river, the Gomti cannot maintain e-flow (environmental flow) consistently throughout the year, and there is no surplus water available to enhance the flow.
  • A 50-meter area on both riverbanks is designated as a no-construction zone.
  • The order issued a directive to the Uttar Pradesh government, instructing them to halt all construction activities within a 100-meter distance from the riverbanks.

Gomti River

  • Gomti, an alluvial river of the Ganga Plain, serves as a tributary to the Ganga river. Its origin can be traced back to Gomat Taala lake, also known as Fulhar Jheel, situated near Mainkot in Madhotanda, approximately 30 kilometers away from Pilibhit town in Uttar Pradesh.
  • The river flows through several regions, including Sitapur, Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, and Jaunpur, before eventually merging with the Ganga at Kaithi in the Ghazipur district.
  • The river stretches a total length of approximately 960 kilometers and plays a vital role in supplying around 450 million liters of water per day to the city of Lucknow.

Perennial and Non-perennial rivers

  • Perennial rivers, are rivers which maintain a continuous flow of water throughout the year, like the Himalayan Rivers in India, such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra. These rivers are sustained by both rainwater and the melting of glaciers.
  • On the other hand, non-perennial rivers, like the Godavari and Krishna, experience periods without water flow throughout the year. The primary reason for their non-perennial nature is that they do not originate from glacial regions like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Indus.

Pollution in Gomti River

  • Recently, the pollution level in the Gomti river has deteriorated significantly. According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it ranks as the fifth most polluted river in the country. The alarming decline in dissolved oxygen levels has reached as low as one milligram per liter (mg/l), which falls significantly below the minimum requirement of four to six mg/l necessary to sustain aquatic life.
  • The pollution in the Gomti river can be attributed to various factors, including the discharge of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and domestic wastes, along with the encroachment of floodplains. This combination of factors has resulted in the tragic loss of numerous fish along the course of the Gomti river.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

  • The Gomti river is a tributary of: Ganga River

Find More State In News Here

Recent Posts

Top-10 Happiest States in India in 2025, Check the List

Happiness in a state depends on many factors like good health, strong communities, clean surroundings,…

7 hours ago

Top-5 Richest Countries in South America in 2025, Check the List

South America is a continent full of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and valuable resources. While…

7 hours ago

General Knowledge Quiz on India Gate, Questions and Answers

India Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in New Delhi, built as a…

8 hours ago

How Many Prime Ministers Give Speeches on Independence Day?

India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15, with the Prime Minister addressing the…

8 hours ago

Independence Day Themes of the Last 10 Years

India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15th, marking a proud moment to reflect on…

8 hours ago

Unsung Heroes: Matangini Hazra

India’s struggle for independence was shaped by the courage and sacrifices of countless individuals, many…

8 hours ago