By Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said efforts to revive and clean the Gomti river are being carried out on a “war footing” and expressed confidence that the river would be cleaned by the end of 2026.
Speaking at an event in Lucknow Cantonment, Adityanath said the Army’s Central Command was extending full cooperation to the state government to maintain the river’s flow and improve its cleanliness. The announcement comes as authorities continue to focus on restoring the Gomti as an important environmental and civic asset for Lucknow.
Army extends support for Gomti rejuvenation
Yogi said the Gomti rejuvenation programme was progressing rapidly, with efforts focused on ensuring an uninterrupted flow of water and improving the river’s overall condition.
He credited the cooperation between the state government and the Army’s Central Command, saying coordinated efforts would be important for achieving the target within the stipulated timeframe.
Lucknow Cantonment to be developed as model city
The Chief Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stones, along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for 12 development projects worth more than ₹100 crore in Lucknow Cantonment.
Yogi said the joint efforts of the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government would help transform the cantonment area into a model city.
He said the Cantonment Board could emerge as an important hub for development and public amenities, benefiting serving military personnel, ex-servicemen as well as civilian residents.
CM highlights Lucknow’s changing landscape
Adityanath said Lucknow has undergone significant transformation while continuing to preserve its historical and cultural character.
He pointed to projects such as CM GRIDS (Chief Minister Green Road Infrastructure Development Scheme) and Kisan Path as examples of the city’s expanding modern infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Lucknow’s growing role in the BrahMos missile programme, along with the city’s traditional Chikankari craftsmanship. He noted that Lucknow has also received recognition from UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy.
UP emerging as a growth engine, says Yogi
Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh had moved past the challenges of deprivation, disorder and lawlessness and was increasingly contributing to the country’s economic growth.
He highlighted the state’s expanding network of expressways, metro systems, rapid rail links, waterways and airports, saying these projects were improving connectivity and creating new opportunities for people across the state.
The Chief Minister also thanked Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh and said civil construction work on the second phase of the metro corridor would begin soon.
Focus on development and public amenities
Yogi said the development initiatives in Lucknow Cantonment were aimed not only at improving infrastructure but also at making the area more convenient for people who live and work there.
The event was attended by senior ministers, MPs, MLAs, Army officials and officers from the Defence Estates Service.
With the Gomti rejuvenation programme also receiving renewed emphasis, the state government’s target of cleaning the river by the end of the year is now set to be closely watched.
