LUCKNOW: Once considered as an agent of salvation and lifeline of Lucknow, Gomti today is neither sacred nor clean. And instead of attaining complete divine freedom, one may contract disease, if not serious ailments, just by stepping into its shallow waters. According to Hindu mythology the river is the daughter of Sage Vashist, and bathing in the waters of Gomti on Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the Hindu calendar) can wash away one's sins. Gomti is also considered as one of the many transcendental rivers in India.

The ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) is burning the midnight oil for speedy implementation of the river regulation zone (RRZ).

Environment minister Jayanti Natarajan admitted that the rules of the RRZ are in the process of being framed. She expects that once this notification is passed, a major hurdle to end the operations of land mafia grabbing thousand of acres of land along the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, Krishna , Cauvery and Godavari rivers (to name a few) will be halted.

New Delhi: The UPA government launched another salvo at BSP supremo Mayawati with the Union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan writing to the Uttar Pradesh CM pointing out that industries were polluting select rivers in the state leading to contamination of groundwater in some regions.

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in eastern Uttar Pradesh leaving 28 people dead, while the water level in major rivers is rising.

While 18 people were killed in incidents of wall and house collapse in Jaupur district, 10 deaths were reported from Mirzapur district which received 120 mm and 150 mm respectively since Saturday, officials said on Sunday.

LUCKNOW: With an aim to bringing the focus on rivers and those who live on their banks, a group of six men and women from different countries is on an expedition across the Gomti.

It seems that things are becoming favourable for the ailing Gomti. The UP chief secretary had directed the irrigation department to restore the flow in the river and remove encroachment from its banks right from Pilibhit to Ghazipur.

The quality of river water is an area of concern in Uttar Pradesh, if the State of Environment report, 2010 is to be believed. The report, released on Sunday by directorate of environment, UP, reveals that between 2004 and 2008, water quality indicators in many cases are negative.

LUCKNOW: The fact that Gomti's flow and level have reduced drastically has caught the attention of the government which is now mulling to constitute a river conservation unit for its restoration and conservation. The river, reeling under the bane of pollution and encroachment, has its flow reduced to one-third and is in an urgent need of revival.

LUCKNOW: Stressing the need to recognise Gomti as a state river, scientists and activists who have been on a Gomti yatra since March 27, feel that the elevated status might help to bring some positive changes for the river that virtually flows through the state.

Experts are also of the view that restoring Gomti to its pristine glory is not a tough task.

LUCKNOW: A group of river water conservationists and activists will take up the cause of pollution in Gomti by organising a Gomti Yatra from March 27 to April 2.