Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday emphasized that clear intentions can swiftly change a region's destiny, citing the transformative development witnessed in Gorakhpur over the past nine years. Addressing a public gathering at the Ekla embankment on the Rapti River, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 497 development projects valued at Rs 1,055 crore. These include an eco park developed after disposing legacy waste and the Nausad-Malauni four-lane road.
Comprehensive Transformation Across Sectors
“With a strong will to do something good, significant change can be achieved... Gorakhpur has witnessed transformation across all sectors over the past nine years. The city has made remarkable progress in road connectivity, healthcare, sanitation, education, sports, industry, and employment. Areas that earlier had no sports facilities now have several mini stadiums,” the CM stated.
From Garbage to Gold: Eco Park Development
Referring to the transformation of the Ekla embankment into an eco park, Yogi said, “Upon entering Gorakhpur from Varanasi or Lucknow, the first encounter used to be with garbage. It looked unpleasant. However, with determination, gradual change has been brought about.” He noted that 30-35 years ago, the area where Transport Nagar now stands was a dumping ground for the city’s waste. After the municipal corporation addressed the issue, it has now become a well-developed transport hub, market, and mandi. The CM praised the civic body for turning “garbage into gold” at the city’s entry point. The eco park, developed after disposing of 2.26 lakh metric tonnes of waste, has become a popular picnic spot for families and a major tourist attraction.
Solar-Powered Lighting and Net-Zero Goals
Yogi highlighted that electricity was once scarce, but now the lighting along the Ekla embankment will be powered by solar energy, with solar panels installed as part of efforts toward achieving net-zero targets.
Swachh School Abhiyan Launched
The CM also launched the “Swachh School Abhiyan”, aiming to make Gorakhpur a seven-star garbage-free city. Over one lakh schoolchildren will spread the message of cleanliness through competitions and creative campaigns. Children will be educated about the concept of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The message will also be spread through waste-to-art, essay, and reel competitions. By involving more than 2,000 teachers and over 1,000 experienced parents, the initiative is being shaped into a large public movement.
Call for Plantation and Environmental Action
Yogi urged the MLA from Gorakhpur Rural to carry out plantation drives along with party workers on the Ekla embankment during the upcoming Van Mahotsav. He also appealed to all councillors to develop mini city forests in vacant lands and parks within their respective wards. He called for extensive plantation and proper protection of planted saplings to tackle environmental challenges.
