LUCKNOW, May 20 -- Extensive stretches of the Gomti River have nearly dried up following water flow restrictions due to repair work at the Gomti Barrage, exposing accumulated garbage from the riverbed. However, city drinking water supply remains unaffected, officials said.

A temporary barrier of rocks, sandbags near Kudiya Ghat has slowed the river's flow, though some water continues to pass through. As water levels dropped sharply, large portions of the riverbed became visible, revealing plastic waste, sludge, debris dumped into the river over the years.

The restricted flow has affected livelihoods dependent on the river, particularly fishing operations. Concerns have mounted over aquatic ecosystems already weakened by pollution, toxic...