Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated innovative water purification projects targeting drains that flow into the Rapti River on Friday, January 3, 2025. These initiatives emphasize sustainable solutions to combat river pollution and preserve water resources.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister praised the Municipal Corporation for its dedicated efforts to restore the Rapti River's health. He emphasized the importance of adopting phytoremediation, an eco-friendly technique using plants to remove pollutants from the environment.

Phytoremediation: A Cost-Effective Solution

Highlighting the benefits of phytoremediation, the Chief Minister revealed that this method successfully reduced pollution levels in the Rapti River at a fraction of the cost. "Initially, a sewage treatment plant costing Rs.110 crore was planned, which included hefty expenses for electricity and maintenance. Instead, we implemented phytoremediation for just Rs.70 lakh," he said.

Phytoremediation not only removes contaminants but also allows for the potential recovery of absorbed metals for recycling. The CM suggested replicating this approach across all drains to ensure they do not pollute rivers when discharged.

Past Challenges and Penalties

Before 2017, the municipal authorities faced repeated penalties from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for failing to manage river pollution. In 2023, the NGT held the state government accountable for discharging 55 MLD (mega liters per day) of untreated sewage into Gorakhpur's rivers. Additionally, approximately 3.8 lakh metric tonnes of solid waste were being dumped at two sites near the river, leading to a compensation order of Rs.120 crore.

Success in Reducing Pollution Levels

The implementation of phytoremediation has drastically reduced the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the Rapti River from a hazardous 350 to a much safer 15-18. The lower BOD levels have transformed the river, making it suitable for irrigation, a feat previously unattainable due to high pollution levels.

Aligning with National Initiatives

Chief Minister Adityanath also acknowledged the success of central government programs like 'Namami Gange' and 'Har Ghar Jal,' led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He credited these initiatives for prioritizing clean water access and reviving the cultural and environmental significance of rivers across India. Yogi Adityanath called for widespread adoption of phytoremediation, ensuring a sustainable future for rivers and communities dependent on them.