Gorakhpur: Highlighting the development-oriented transformation in Gorakhpur over the past nine years, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that when intentions are clear, it doesn’t take long to change destiny.“With a strong will to do something good, significant change can be achieved… Gorakhpur has witnessed transformation across all sectors over the past nine years. The city has made remarkable progress in road connectivity, healthcare, sanitation, education, sports, industry, and employment. Areas that earlier had no sports facilities now have several mini stadiums,” he said.The CM was addressing a public gathering at the Ekla embankment on the Rapti River after inaugurating and laying foundation sfor 497 development projects worth Rs 1,055 crore, including the eco park developed after legacy waste disposal and the Nausad-Malauni four-lane road.Referring to the transformation of the Ekla embankment into an eco park, he said, “Upon entering Gorakhpur from Varanasi or Lucknow, the first encounter used to be with garbage. It looked unpleasant. However, with determination, gradual change has been brought about.”He noted that 30-35 years ago, the area where Transport Nagar now stands was a dumping ground for the city’s waste. After the municipal corporation addressed the issue, it has now become a well-developed transport hub, market, and mandi.Yogi said that there was a time when electricity was scarce, but now the lighting along the Ekla embankment will be powered by solar energy, with solar panels installed as part of efforts toward achieving net-zero targets.Praising the civic body team for developing the eco park, Yogi said that the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation has turned “garbage into gold” at the city’s entry point. The eco park, developed after disposing of 2.26 lakh metric tonnes of waste, has become a picnic spot for families and a major tourist attraction.The CM also launched the “Swachh School Abhiyan”, aiming to make Gorakhpur a seven-star garbage-free city, with over one lakh schoolchildren spreading the message of cleanliness through competitions and creative campaigns. Children will be educated about the concept of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The message will also be spread through waste-to-art, essay, and reel competitions.He added that by involving more than 2,000 teachers and over 1,000 experienced parents, the initiative is being shaped into a large public movement.Yogi urged the MLA from Gorakhpur Rural to carry out plantation drives along with party workers on the Ekla embankment during the upcoming Van Mahotsav. He also appealed to all councillors to develop mini city forests in vacant lands and parks within their respective wards. He also called for extensive plantation and proper protection of planted saplings to tackle environmental challenges.
