Gomti River Drying Up: BBAU Survey Reveals Human Activity Threatens Lifeline for 15 Million

Gomti River in Peril: BBAU Survey Exposes Critical Drying and Degradation

A comprehensive field survey conducted by researchers from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) has uncovered alarming evidence that the Gomti River, a vital lifeline for approximately 1.5 crore people and a habitat for over 200 species of flora and fauna, is progressively drying up. The study attributes this crisis primarily to human activities, compounded by certain natural factors, posing a severe threat to the riverine ecosystem and dependent communities.

Extensive Survey Across River's Course Reveals Widespread Issues

The research team meticulously examined the river from its origin point in Pilibhit, tracing its flow through the districts of Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, and Hardoi. Their findings paint a grim picture of environmental neglect and systemic failure.

Near the source at Fulhar Jheel in Pilibhit, a stretch of about 15 kilometers was found completely dry, a direct result of critically low water levels at the origin and significant disruption of the river's natural flow. The survey noted that the river's current is notably slow across Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur.

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Shrinking Riverbed and Invasive Species Takeover

At numerous locations, the Gomti has become dangerously shallow and narrow. This reduction in volume has facilitated the rampant spread of invasive plant species, most notably water hyacinth within the river and Congress grass along its banks. These invasive plants aggressively choke out native vegetation, further destabilizing the river's ecology.

Key affected sites identified include:

• Fulhar Jheel near Madhotanda, Pilibhit
• Triveni Ghat in Ghatampur
• Panna Ghat in Shahjahanpur
• Imliya Ghat in Lakhimpur Kheri
• Various stretches across Sitapur and Hardoi

The degradation of riverbanks and reduced flow at these locations have created ideal conditions for invasive species to flourish.

Human Encroachment and Tributary Stress

The survey documented extensive human-induced damage along the river's course. Widespread clearing of natural vegetation, unprotected wetlands, and rampant encroachment for farming and construction activities on both banks have severely weakened the entire river system.

Furthermore, several crucial tributaries of the Gomti are under immense stress:

• The Katna stream in Piparia Bhaja (Pilibhit) has become seasonal, remaining almost dry or stagnant outside the monsoon months.
• The Bhainsi river in Shahjahanpur frequently dries up during summer.
• The Kathina river near Sukatiya suffers from reduced depth and slow flow due to encroachment and illegal sand mining.
• The Behta river in Hardoi exhibits weakened flow because of land leveling for agricultural purposes.

These findings indicate that many tributaries now carry minimal water or experience periodic drying, drastically reducing the Gomti's overall water input.

Groundwater Depletion and Flow Management Failures

Excessive groundwater extraction near the river has caused irreversible damage to its baseflows, directly contributing to water loss within the main channel. The report highlights potential augmentation points, such as the Sharda canal bifurcation in Puranpur (Madhotanda, Pilibhit) and the Devipur minor near Fulhar Jheel.

However, a critical failure exists: water is not adequately returned to the river during low-flow periods. This mismanagement severely reduces downstream flow across Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, and Hardoi, exacerbating the drying trend.

Severe Pollution from Multiple Sources

Pollution levels were recorded as dangerously high at numerous locations:

• At Triveni Ghat (Ghatampur) and Panna Ghat (Shahjahanpur), the river is contaminated with ritual waste, flowers, cloth, and plastic from religious activities.
• Imliya Ghat (Lakhimpur Kheri) is littered with picnic and recreational waste, including thermocol plates and single-use plastics.
• In Sitapur, the Sarayan river—a major tributary near Hargaon—is polluted by untreated wastewater from nearly 40 drains, discharge from a sugar mill, and agricultural runoff, leading to harmful algal growth.
• The Sai river at Bhajehata in Hardoi shows clear signs of faecal contamination due to open defecation.

Across all surveyed districts—Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, and Hardoi—domestic waste and plastic litter were found strewn along the banks. Poor waste management systems, combined with critically low water flow that diminishes the river's natural self-cleaning capacity, have created a toxic environment.

Expert Analysis and Call for Revival

"Human behaviour, lack of coordination between authorities, and administrative negligence have all contributed to the present condition of the Gomti," stated Professor Venkatesh Dutta, Head of the Department of Environmental Science at BBAU, who led the survey.

Despite the dire situation, the research team emphasizes that recovery is possible. Professor Dutta asserts that ensuring a minimum flow at the source, Fulhar Jheel, is paramount. Researchers Rakesh Singh Kushwaha and Ankit Kumar specified that supplying at least 20 cusecs of water from the Sharda canal system is essential to sustain downstream flow.

The team's recommendations for revival are clear and actionable:

1. Protect remaining wetlands and natural drainage channels.
2. Remove all encroachments along the riverbanks.
3. Safeguard and restore riverbank integrity.
4. Implement low-cost, nature-based solutions to improve water flow.

Researchers Komal Loshali, Pragati Sharma, and Ayusma Yadav echoed a note of cautious optimism, concluding, "The condition of the Gomti is reversible, but only if timely and coordinated action is taken." The survey stands as a stark warning and a blueprint for the urgent, collaborative effort required to save this crucial river system.