Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the use of natural water purification techniques to maintain clean rivers and save substantial costs. At the launch of a ₹2.70 crore project at Takia Ghat, he introduced phytoremediation, a natural method for purifying wastewater flowing into the Rapti River.

Adityanath commended the local municipal corporation’s work in preserving the cleanliness of the Rapti River, highlighting its importance in sustaining life and the environment. He pointed out that natural purification methods not only clean rivers but also avoid electricity and maintenance expenses, saving crores of rupees.

Advantages of Natural Water Purification

The Chief Minister underlined the critical role of clean water, referring to the devastating impact of water-related diseases. From 1977 to 2017, about 50,000 children in Gorakhpur and Eastern Uttar Pradesh died due to diseases like encephalitis, caused by contaminated water. He also mentioned several government initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Amrit Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission, which aim to provide access to clean water in both urban and rural areas.

Efforts to Preserve Rivers and Local Culture

Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for river conservation, mentioning the Namami Gange project and its role in preserving river culture. This initiative has also contributed to events like the Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, scheduled for Prayagraj from January 13th to February 26th, 2025.

In Gorakhpur, efforts are being made to purify the Rapti and Rohini rivers, which hold cultural and historical significance. Initially, the corporation proposed a ₹110 crore sewage treatment plant, but a natural purification approach was later adopted instead. Adityanath highlighted the positive outcomes of this method, including improved water quality with lower Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), showing its effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

Through these sustainable practices, the government aims to improve water quality, protect the environment, and enhance the well-being of the community, all while reducing expenses compared to traditional methods.