Gomti pollution to be part of swachh survey

Lucknow: For the first time, pollution in and around the Gomti river will be assessed under Swachh Survekshan 2025–26, bringing the river under the national cleanliness review framework.Earlier, only Ganga-linked cities were evaluated under the survey. The inclusion of the Gomti widened the scope, and all the cities on the banks of the river, including the state capital, will be assessed. Environment engineer Sanjeev Pradhan said the survey will examine waste discharge points flowing into the Gomti and the cleanliness of its riverbanks. "All pollutants will be assessed, and public feedback will account for nearly 50% of the verification process," he said. A central team is likely to visit after Holi. For the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, improving its national rank remains the key challenge. The city secured third position last year in the ‘Swachh Shahar Million Plus' category and is aiming to enter the top two this year. The assessment will cover door-to-door waste collection, segregation at source, waste processing, and scientific disposal. Public toilets, drains, water bodies, and mechanised sanitation systems will also be reviewed. Mandatory documentation and third-party verification of Open Defecation Free (ODF) and Garbage Free City (GFC) status will be required.