Kukrail River Rejuvenation in Lucknow Path Toward Ecological Restoration and Sustainability
The much-anticipated rejuvenation of the Kukrail river in Lucknow is set to begin soon, with the urban development department leading the charge for desilting in the river’s catchment area. This initiative, aimed at restoring the river’s ecological balance and improving water quality, is expected to unfold in phases across a 28km stretch. The Detailed Project Report (DPR), which outlines the rejuvenation plan, has been submitted to the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) for approval. Once sanctioned, the project will move forward with a collaborative approach, engaging various government departments such as rural development, forest, and irrigation to achieve its long-term goals.
The desilting process, which is integral to the project’s success, will be carried out in both rural and urban areas. The rural development department will oversee the desilting of a 4.9km stretch starting from Acharamau village under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Meanwhile, urban areas will witness the irrigation department managing the desilting of a 4.5km stretch from the Ring Road to the confluence with the Gomti river. According to officials, the process will take approximately 1-2 months, with additional funding from relief and disaster relief funds being explored to ensure timely completion. These efforts are part of a larger goal to rejuvenate the Kukrail river, addressing concerns around water quality, sewage management, and overall river health.
In line with the broader objectives, the rejuvenation project includes addressing several ecological concerns. For example, the repair and maintenance of two escape channels of the Sharada Canal, Rehua and Jarhara, are crucial to maintaining the river’s flow. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam has taken proactive measures by tapping 39 out of 51 drains that flow into the Kukrail river. The remaining 12 drains will undergo discharge testing to ensure no polluted water or sewage enters the river. As part of its broader plans, the state is also focusing on creating green spaces like Saumitra Van and Shakti Van, which are designed to complement the river’s rejuvenation efforts. These green areas will not only improve biodiversity but also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, a growing concern in cities like Lucknow.
From a sustainability perspective, the Kukrail river rejuvenation project underscores the importance of integrating eco-tourism and water conservation. With plans to develop the river area into a tourist destination, the project aims to highlight the role of natural resources in driving sustainable development. Furthermore, the establishment of a 40 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near Saumitra Van, using reclaimed land from demolished encroachments in Akbarnagar, will play a critical role in the long-term sustainability of the project. By discharging treated water upstream, the STP will ensure that the river remains a continuous, sustainable water source. In addition, the project aims to reconnect the river to its groundwater-fed source in Asti village, thereby restoring its 192 sqkm catchment area, which is vital for replenishing groundwater levels in the region.
Overall, the Kukrail river rejuvenation project represents a significant step forward in urban water management and ecological restoration. It not only addresses the immediate needs of the river but also sets a precedent for future river restoration projects across India. With a focus on sustainability, public health, and eco-tourism, the initiative is poised to deliver lasting benefits to the residents of Lucknow while preserving the city’s natural heritage.
