Chilua Tal to Be Developed into a Premier Eco-Tourism and Water Sports Hub: CM Yogi

Previous Governments Allowed Encroachments on Ponds and Water Bodies; We Are Conserving Them: CM Yogi

Chief Minister Inaugurates Tourism Development Works at Chilua Tal

Chilua Tal Revamped at a Cost of More Than Rs 20 Crore

Gorakhpur, June 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that in the next phases of the Chilua Tal Tourism Development Project, Chilua Tal would be developed on the lines of Ramgarh Tal as a premier centre for eco-tourism and water sports. He remarked that during previous governments, ponds and water bodies were often encroached upon, with some people treating them as personal property and constructing mansions on them. Water bodies that escaped encroachment often turned into hubs of filth and criminal activity. In contrast, the double-engine government not only prevents encroachments but also fulfills its responsibility toward environmental conservation by transforming such sites into attractive tourist destinations where people can enjoy nature.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating tourism development works at the natural lake Chilua Tal, located on the northern edge of Gorakhpur. Dedicating the rejuvenated tourism site, developed at a cost exceeding Rs 20 crore, to the public, he said that good governments bring good initiatives.

20 MW Solar Power Generation Planned at Chilua Tal

CM Yogi said that efforts are underway, in collaboration with Coal India Limited, to install a floating solar power plant at Chilua Tal. The project is expected to generate 20 megawatts of solar energy, making it possible to support electricity supply for the entire city. He noted that solar energy is green energy, producing no carbon emissions, and that the floating solar plant would contribute significantly toward achieving net-zero emission goals.

Natural Water Source Makes Chilua Tal Unique

The Chief Minister stated that until now, Ramgarh Tal had been Gorakhpur’s principal eco-tourism destination. However, drainage water used to flow into it. Extensive cleaning and desilting operations were carried out there, and even today only treated water is allowed to enter the lake. As a result, Ramgarh Tal’s water is not entirely natural. In contrast, Chilua Tal receives naturally flowing water from forest areas. During the construction of the fertilizer plant, Chilua Tal was desilted and water from the lake was supplied for the project, while the removed silt was used to fill low-lying areas.

Vast Potential for Water Sports

CM Yogi highlighted that Chilua Tal, like Ramgarh Tal, possesses immense potential for water sports activities. He recalled the successful hosting of the National Junior Rowing Championship at Ramgarh Tal, which attracted more than 200 athletes from 22 states. The participants greatly appreciated the venue. He expressed confidence that visitors would find Chilua Tal even more appealing.

Praising the natural surroundings, he said that the breeze flowing across the lake’s waves provides a cooling effect and creates a pleasant atmosphere. Families can visit the site for recreation and health benefits, as it is free from pollution and disorder.

Good City Development Plans Create Positive Impressions

The Chief Minister emphasized that well-planned urban development creates a positive image of a city. He said Gorakhpur should evolve not only as a safe and smart city but also as a model of sustainable development. While development would continue, citizens must take responsibility for preserving public assets.

He urged people to protect development projects, avoid damaging public property, and report offenders. Referring to the recovery of 56 sacks of plastic waste during the cleaning of Ramgarh Tal, he called upon residents to commit themselves to making Gorakhpur a plastic-free, clean, and beautiful city.

Cleanliness, Plantation, and Yoga Campaigns from June 5 to 21

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

He instructed that on June 5, large-scale plantation drives under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign be conducted along the banks of Ramgarh Tal and Chilua Tal. Prior to that, a major cleanliness campaign should be organized on June 4. On June 21, large yoga camps should be held at both lakes under the theme “Karo Yog, Raho Nirog” (Practice Yoga, Stay Healthy).

Fertilizer Plant Site Preserved Due to SSB Presence

The Chief Minister noted that Gorakhpur’s fertilizer plant had remained closed for 31 years and said that without the presence of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), even the plant’s scrap might not have survived. Today, the fertilizer plant has resumed operations, while the area also hosts an SSB establishment, a Kendriya Vidyalaya, a Sainik School, and now a growing tourism sector around Chilua Tal. He also announced that funds had been sanctioned for a new building for Kendriya Vidyalaya.

Gorakhpur Has Been Transformed by CM Yogi’s Vision: Ravi Kishan

Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath possesses extraordinary foresight and vision. Under his leadership, Gorakhpur has undergone a remarkable transformation and has become a national example of development. He added that after Ramgarh Tal, Chilua Tal too would emerge as a preferred location for film shootings. Ravi Kishan also recited a song he had written about Chilua Tal.

No Corner of Gorakhpur Has Been Left Untouched by Development: Mayor

Welcoming the Chief Minister, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava said that under CM Yogi’s leadership, no part of Gorakhpur has remained untouched by development. He credited the Chief Minister’s vision for transforming the once-neglected Chilua Tal into a beautiful tourism destination.

Among those present were 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, among others.

CM Inspects Chilua Tal Ghat, Plants Harishankari Saplings

After inaugurating the tourism development and beautification works, the Chief Minister toured the site and inspected the ghat and boating facilities. On the occasion, he planted Harishankari saplings (Peepal, Banyan, and Pakar trees) in the ghat premises, conveying a message of environmental conservation.

CM Reviews Under-Construction Bhajan Sandhya Venue

Before inaugurating the Chilua Tal Tourism Development Project, CM Yogi also inspected the under-construction Bhajan Sandhya venue near Chilua Tal. The Rs 12.95 crore project is targeted for completion by August 2026.