Home / Environment / Expert Quits Ganga Committee Citing River Destruction
Expert Quits Ganga Committee Citing River Destruction
31 Aug
Summary
- Professor Dutta resigned from the District Ganga Committee.
- He cited destruction of Gomti's floodplains by embankments.
- Concerns raised over Green Corridor project's ecological impact.
Professor Venkatesh Dutta, head of environmental science at BBAU, has resigned from the District Ganga Committee (DGC) due to concerns over the ecological health of the Gomti river. He cited the "destruction of the Gomti's floodplains through mindless embankments and highways" as his primary reason for leaving the committee.
Dutta expressed his disappointment that the DGC proceeded with the Green Corridor project, which includes high embankments and a four-lane road, despite his objections. He argued that such projects further constrain the river, citing the 2015 riverfront project as an example of ecological damage. He believes efforts should instead focus on treating untreated sewage and protecting natural floodplains.
The Gomti in Lucknow continues to face pollution challenges, with 45 identified drains discharging into it, 28 of which still require interception and treatment. Approximately 260 MLD of discharge is estimated from these sources. Meanwhile, official responses to Dutta's resignation remain pending, with the divisional forest officer stating he had not yet reviewed the resignation letter.
