Up for facelift,Gomti gets a pat

“The Gomti is in a fairly good state than other Indian rivers. It will require less work for its front development,” Patel said. “Parks are already developed on the banks of the Gomti and these are maintained well. Public amenities,recreation facilities,small markets and even real estate could be easily developed at Gomti river front,” he added.

Comparing the Gomti with the Sabarmati,Patel said: “When front development of Sabarmati was planned,the river was in a very bad shape. Its water was murky because drains were discharging sewage directly into it. People had encroached on its banks. The government reclaimed land and then developed public services.” The land at the Gomti banks is already a public place and it will facilitate the front development,Patel said,adding its water was comparatively clean,making it easier for the project.

LDA Joint Director (Land and Development) SB Mishra said,“The board has decided to go ahead with the river front development and has directed the LDA to start the process of hiring consultants.”

LDA Vice-Chairman Mukesh Kumar Meshram said the presentation gave an idea to the board members how the Sabarmati riverfront was developed and what could be done for the Gomti.

The LDA board has already given its nod for the constitution of a Gomti River Front Development Company to execute and maintain the project . The company will be headed by the Lucknow Divisional Commissioner.