In Pics | Lucknow's Gomti Riverfront still waiting for its Swachh Bharat glow-up

The promise of a serene stroll along the Gomti Riverfront is too often broken by a familiar sight, floating plastic and the lingering smell of decay, especially after festivals. This cycle of temporary clean-ups and returning filth reveals an uncomfortable truth, our current efforts are merely a band-aid on a deeply wounded river.

Conceived as a scenic escape, this waterway has sadly become a source of discomfort. The very river meant to offer tranquillity now emits a persistent stench that drifts across the entire park, overwhelming the space.

What makes the situation even more ironic is the presence of a sewage treatment plant right across from the riverfront, near the Gomti Barrage. Residents and visitors allege that untreated waste is being discharged into the river, leading to the foul odour that now defines the area. The contrast is stark; a marquee city attraction on one side, and on the other, an STP whose outflow undermines the riverfront’s appeal and purpose.

While waste flowing into the waterway, the thriving hyacinth, and persistent littering by residents continue to plague the river itself, the park area of the riverfront tells a different story. The surrounding greenery is remarkably well-maintained, and sanitation workers are consistently visible, carrying out routine cleaning with evident dedication. Their proactive efforts help preserve the aesthetic charm of the space, setting a commendable benchmark for public space management.

The ongoing neglect of our riverfront is a disheartening reflection of misplaced priorities. While new food hubs such as Food Valley and the Marine Drive Food Court are welcome additions that enhance the city’s recreational landscape, they also raise an inevitable question: what good are these attractions if the river they overlook continues to suffer?

Public funds must also be channelled not only into creating new experiences, but also into improving sewage treatment plants and cleaning the river itself. Focusing on surface-level development while ignoring the core issue of a polluted waterway is, quite simply, like putting a fresh coat of paint on a crumbling wall.

Ultimately, while the government must be held accountable for enforcing STP standards and infrastructure, a lasting solution requires a deeper shift in public consciousness. The plastic wrappers, ritual offerings, and everyday waste choking the Gomti are a stark reminder that infrastructure alone cannot compensate for a lack of collective responsibility. The river's health is a mirror of our civic values, until we, as a community, stop seeing it as a convenient dumping ground, our efforts toward a clean Gomti will remain incomplete.