In Lucknow, India, the diversion of water between Kudiya Ghat and Gomti Barrage has led to the exposure of polluted stretches of the Gomti River, presenting a unique opportunity for restoration. Experts have observed significant deposits of black sludge, plastic waste, and decayed organic matter, resulting from years of untreated sewage and urban waste entering the river. Prof. Venkatesh Dutta, head of the environmental science department at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), stated that the toxic sludge harms aquatic life by reducing dissolved oxygen and blocking sunlight. He emphasized that removing the sludge and invasive species like water hyacinth could significantly improve water quality and restore ecological balance. Additionally, Prof. Dhruv Sen Singh from Lucknow University pointed out that restoring the riverbed could enhance groundwater recharge by facilitating natural percolation. However, experts have criticized local authorities for inaction, noting that despite a meeting in January to discuss cleaning the riverbed, no work has commenced. Local officials have expressed concerns over their capacity for large-scale dredging necessary for effective cleanup, highlighting the urgent need for specialized machinery and disposal solutions.