Chiluatal to be developed as a major eco-tourism and water sports hub: CM Yogi

In previous govt, ponds and water bodies were encroached upon, we are conserving them: CM Yogi

Chief Minister inaugurates tourism development works at Chiluatal

Chiluatal has been beautified at a cost of more than ₹20 crore

Gorakhpur, June 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “In the next phases of the Chiluatal Tourism Development Project, Chiluatal will be developed on the lines of Ramgarh Tal as a premier center for eco-tourism and water sports. During previous governments, ponds and water bodies were encroached upon. Some people considered them their personal property and built mansions over them. The ponds and water bodies that could not be encroached upon became centers of filth and crime.”

He added by saying, the double-engine government does not allow encroachment on ponds and water bodies; rather, it fulfills its responsibility toward nature conservation. It develops them into excellent tourist destinations and provides society with opportunities to enjoy a natural environment.

CM Yogi was addressing a gathering on Tuesday evening after inaugurating the tourism development works at Chiluatal, a natural lake located on the northern edge of Gorakhpur. Dedicating this tourist destination, which has been enhanced at a cost of more than ₹20 crore, to the public, the Chief Minister said, good governments bring good things.

CM Yogi added, efforts are being advanced to establish a floating solar plant at Chiluatal in collaboration with Coal India Limited. This will enable the production of 20 megawatts of solar energy at Chiluatal. The entire city’s electricity supply could be supported from here. Solar energy is green energy and does not cause any carbon emissions. The floating solar plant to be installed at Chiluatal will also contribute to achieving the net-zero target.

CM Yogi also said, “Until now, Ramgarh Tal had been the primary eco-tourism center in Gorakhpur. However, drainage water used to flow into it. Ramgarh Tal was cleaned and desilted, and even today water enters the lake only after treatment. Therefore, the water of Ramgarh Tal is not entirely natural, whereas the water of Chiluatal is natural and comes through forested areas. During the construction of the fertilizer plant, Chiluatal was desilted and water was supplied from here. The silt was used for filling low-lying areas.”

He stated, like Ramgarh Tal, Chiluatal also has immense potential for water sports. A few days ago, the National Junior Rowing Championship was successfully organized at Ramgarh Tal. More than 200 athletes from 22 states participated in it. Everyone highly appreciated Ramgarh Tal. Now, when people see Chiluatal, they will find it even more attractive.

Praising the natural environment of Chiluatal, he said that the breeze coming through the waves along the lakeside reduces the temperature and provides a pleasant feeling. People can visit here with their families, enjoy recreation, and benefit their health. There is neither pollution nor any kind of disorder here.

The Chief Minister said, “A good city development plan creates a positive perception of a city in people’s minds. We must make Gorakhpur not only a safe and smart city but also a city with sustainable development. The process of development will continue, but its preservation is the responsibility of citizens.”

He appealed to the public to protect development works, avoid damaging public property, send those who do so to jail, and refrain from littering. Referring to the recovery of 56 sacks of plastic during the cleaning of Ramgarh Tal, he urged people to take a pledge to make Gorakhpur a plastic-free, clean, and beautiful city.

The Chief Minister instructed BJP workers to organize cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, and yoga camps from June 5, World Environment Day, to June 21, International Day of Yoga, marking the successful completion of 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure.

He added, “On June 5, under the leadership of MPs and MLAs, a large-scale plantation campaign should be conducted along the banks of Ramgarh Tal and Chiluatal under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Prior to this, a large-scale cleanliness drive should be conducted on June 4. On June 21, International Day of Yoga, massive yoga camps should be organized at Ramgarh Tal and Chiluatal with the resolve of ‘Karo Yog Raho Nirog’.”

CM Yogi said, “The Gorakhpur fertilizer plant remained closed for 31 years. Had the SSB not been present here, even the scrap of the plant would not have survived. Now the fertilizer plant has resumed operations. There is an SSB establishment here, a Kendriya Vidyalaya, a Sainik School has been opened, and tourism development at Chiluatal is also progressing.”

The Chief Minister informed that funds have been approved for the new building of Kendriya Vidyalaya.

On this occasion, Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan Shukla said, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s foresight is unparalleled. Through his vision, Gorakhpur has been transformed into something as beautiful as a painting. Under the guidance and leadership of the Chief Minister, Gorakhpur is setting an example for the entire country in terms of development. After Ramgarh Tal, Chiluatal will now also become a center for film shooting. MP Ravi Kishan also recited a song written by him on Chiluatal.

Welcoming the Chief Minister at the inauguration ceremony, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava said that under the leadership of CM Yogi, no corner of Gorakhpur has remained untouched by development. It is the Chief Minister’s vision that transformed the neglected Chiluatal into a beautiful tourist destination.

MLC and BJP State Vice President Dr Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Fateh Bahadur Singh, Shriram Chauhan, Vipin Singh, Mahendrapal Singh, Dr Vimlesh Paswan, Pradeep Shukla, Sarvan Nishad, State Women’s Commission Vice Chairperson Charu Chaudhary, BJP Metropolitan President Ramesh Pratap Gupta, District President Janardan Tiwari, and Mahant Ravindradas of Kalibari, among others, were prominently present at the program.

On the occasion of inaugurating the tourism development and beautification works at Chiluatal, the Chief Minister toured the site and inspected the ghat and boating facilities. On this occasion, he planted a Harishankari sapling (Peepal, Banyan, and Pakad) in the ghat premises and conveyed a message of environmental conservation.

Before inaugurating the Chiluatal Tourism Development Project, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reviewed the under-construction Bhajan Sandhya venue near Chiluatal. This project, costing ₹12.95 crore, is targeted for completion by August 2026.