Venkatesh Dutta resigns over green corridor threat to Gomti floodplain
Professor Venkatesh Dutta, who leads environmental science at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, has stepped down from the District Ganga Committee.
He is worried that the proposed Green Corridor project, with its high embankments and four-lane road, could seriously harm the Gomti River floodplain's ecosystem.
Dutta alleges EIA withheld, urges cleanup
Dutta felt sidelined when key documents like the environmental impact assessment were not shared with him, even after raising concerns.
He pointed out that a similar riverfront project in 2015 already damaged the area and fears this one will make things worse.
Instead of building highways, he wants officials to focus on cleaning up untreated sewage, since 28 out of 45 drains still pollute the river, and restoring wetlands and tributaries.
So far, an official response has been made to his resignation.