180 small drains also discharge effluents and solid waste into Gomti

LUCKNOW: A highly polluted Gomti may contaminate groundwater if urgent steps are not taken to sanitise the lifeline river. At several points, the riverbed is made of porous sediment, which may allow pollutants to seep into underground aquifer, experts have warned.

The fresh alert comes after the Uttar Pradesh Solid Waste Management and Monitoring Committee (UPSWMMC), a panel constituted by the NGT, issuing an advisory against using Gomti’s water for bathing, washing and other purposes.

Statistics show that out of 2.46 lakh litres of sewage produced daily in Lucknow, around 1.44 lakh litres are treated while the rest flows unprocessed into the river through 33 high drains. Besides, 180 small drains also discharge effluents and solid waste into the river.

A recent study by professor Venkatesh Dutta, a noted environmentalist, has also found that the dissolved oxygen level of Gomti is zilch in many places against a normal of 8.5 mg/litre.

“The froth blanketing the river near Gomti barrage and Kudiya Ghat and Pipraghat is a sign that the situation is alarming,” said professor Dhruv Sen Singh of Lucknow University based on initial observations of his ongoing study on water quality of Gomti.

“Frothing means extreme pollution. It occurs when untreated sewage, chemical discharge from factories, solid waste and organic substances release compounds known as surfactants,” Prof Singh said.

High level of heavy metal contamination is also indicated through frothing. “Pollutants include nickel, cobalt, arsenic and cadmium . Since the Gomti riverbed is made of sand and silt, which are porous and permeable, these pollutants can trickle down with water and contaminate groundwater,” the professor said.

Singh pointed out that in some places, a clay-like layer could also be found on the riverbed. “The layer is formed because of pollutants like construction material, sewage and household waste. This layer is not permeable and thus, acts as a barrier against pollutants seeping in. But, at the same time, it does not allow natural recharge of groundwater,” he added.

Polluted groundwater can lead to health issues, including skin allergies and water-borne diseases such as typhoid and jaundice.

