Lucknow, 21 April 2025: An inspiring initiative began today on the banks of the Gomti River. It intertwines personal health with environmental awareness. The River Yoga Campaign, launched at Kudiya Ghat, aims to strengthen the bond between citizens and their natural surroundings. Spanning two months—from April 21 to June 21, 2025—the campaign will conclude with a grand celebration on International Yoga Day.
A Collaborative Effort for a Cleaner, Healthier Gomti
The 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (Territorial Army) 39 Gorkha Rifles spearheads the initiative. They partner with Lucknow Municipal Corporation, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG-UP). Together, they will cover various key ghats along the Gomti, promoting awareness and encouraging participation from all sections of society.
Daily Yoga and Clean-Up Drives at the Ghats
Every morning, the ghats of the river become hubs of mindful movement. This occurs from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. They are also centers of community service. Certified yoga instructors guide participants through sessions aimed at fostering physical and mental balance. These sessions are followed by cleanliness drives. Volunteers join hands to restore the riverbanks. These volunteers include NCC/NSS cadets, university students, civil society members, and local residents.
Weekly Themes to Promote Environmental Awareness
One of the campaign’s highlights is its weekly thematic approach. The campaign uses topics such as “Plastic-Free Ghats,” “Healthy Rivers, Healthy Lives,” and “Mindfulness by the River” to inspire reflection. These topics also encourage action. These themes serve to educate the public on how environmental well-being and personal health are deeply interconnected.
Voices Behind the Movement
Professor (Dr.) Venkatesh Dutta from BBAU’s Department of Environmental Science described the campaign as a powerful convergence of spiritual, ecological, and social consciousness. “This initiative encourages a reconnection with our rivers—not just through physical presence, but through emotional and ethical responsibility,” he said.
Major Kanwardeep Singh Nagi of the Ecological Task Force added, “This isn’t just a yoga or cleanliness initiative. It’s about cultivating a shared sense of ecological mindfulness. The community response has been deeply encouraging.”
Looking Ahead to International Yoga Day
The campaign will culminate on June 21 with a mass yoga demonstration. There will also be a curated exhibition highlighting the campaign’s impact. Additionally, there will be a ceremony to honour the most dedicated participants. This grand finale will take place at Kudiya Ghat, symbolizing the harmony of community, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
A Model for Citizen-Led Sustainable Action
The River Yoga Campaign stands as a shining example of how health, environmental care, and civic engagement can come together. Institutions and citizens work together with sustained efforts. The campaign provides a roadmap for urban communities. They can reconnect with nature while embracing sustainability in daily life.
