Why Did Akhilesh Yadav Criticize the UP Government Over River Pollution?

Lucknow, July 7 (NationPress) The head of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Akhilesh Yadav, has launched a strong critique against the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the alarming state of the rivers, the shutdown of water treatment facilities, and the displacement issues arising from various development initiatives.

During a press conference held on Monday, Yadav claimed that water treatment plants throughout the state have been closed, leading to untreated sewage and drainage water being released directly into the rivers.

“Untreated drainage water and waste are being discharged into rivers. In Bundelkhand, the rivers have been so extensively excavated that piles of soil can now be seen along the roads and fields in every district,” he remarked.

In reference to the residents displaced in Akbar Nagar, Lucknow, Yadav accused the state government of ignoring their essential needs.

“Many people have lost their means of livelihood, and some have even taken their own lives. The government aims to construct a riverfront over a drain. When the SP was in power, we were developing a riverfront on the Varuna River—not over a drain—ensuring that only treated water would flow into it. The same approach was adopted for the Gomti River. We must revert to this strategy, where all sewage entering a river is adequately treated and filtered beforehand. Only then can our rivers be truly cleansed,” he stated.

Akhilesh Yadav further condemned the BJP-led administration for displacing small traders under the guise of development for the Mathura-Vrindavan Corridor project.

“The public will not forgive the BJP for its actions in Mathura-Vrindavan. Individuals are being uprooted, small business owners are being ousted, while major corporations are being allocated prime land. BJP allies are acquiring land at low prices only to sell it at a profit. They are commercializing faith. When the SP regains power, a thorough investigation into the compensation fraud in Mathura will take place,” he asserted.

Describing the alleged exploitation as an affront to spiritual beliefs, Akhilesh added, “The injustices in Mathura are offenses against our faith. The true path is the one of Sanatan—not displacement under the pretext of devotion.”

The SP chief also criticized the state government regarding the management of the annual Kanwar Yatra. “Shopkeepers are being harassed in the name of inspections. When the SP is back in power, we will establish a proper corridor for Kanwariyas, ensuring that traders do not face unnecessary hassles,” he promised.

He also expressed discontent over the poor construction quality of projects such as the Gorakhpur Link Expressway and denounced the lack of collaboration with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

“Nitin Gadkari is a competent minister, but the UP government isn’t even articulating its demands to him. Observe the Chambal Expressway—it remains unfinished. Ironically, the BJP governs all states along the route, yet they haven't completed the road that runs through Atal ji’s village,” he concluded.