LUCKNOW, Oct 17: The Uttar Pradesh government has proposed a series of infrastructure projects to address recurring floods and waterlogging in Lucknow, including a 5.5-km embankment along the Gomti river and the installation of 12 new pumping stations.
The measures were discussed during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who represents Lucknow in the Lok Sabha, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. The meeting focused on assessing the recent flooding in Faizullaganj and identifying long-term solutions to protect vulnerable residential areas.
According to an official statement, the proposed embankment will run along the left bank of the Gomti from IIM Road to Pakka Pul, also known as Hardinge Bridge. Authorities also plan to establish a drainage network connecting Nyay Vihar with the Eldico drain to improve the discharge of rainwater and prevent the river’s rising water levels from obstructing drainage.
Officials said approximately 6,500 families, comprising more than 38,000 people, were affected across 21 localities covering 8.05 square kilometres in Faizullaganj. The area is particularly vulnerable because its elevation is around four metres below the Gomti’s normal water level of 105.70 metres.
The river’s water level climbed to 108.60 metres on October 8, slightly exceeding the warning threshold and worsening flooding in nearby settlements.
Singh called for the embankment project to be taken up on priority and emphasised the need to develop essential infrastructure in the affected colonies. This includes trunk drainage systems, sewage networks, piped drinking water, roads and reliable electricity supply.
Adityanath directed officials from the concerned departments to work in coordination and complete the projects within a fixed timeframe. He also ordered the immediate repair and strengthening of roads damaged by prolonged waterlogging.
The chief minister instructed authorities to ensure that affected households receive safe drinking water, food supplies and medical assistance without interruption. He further directed officials to upgrade primary health centres in flood-prone areas to community health centres to improve access to healthcare.
Power infrastructure will also be strengthened through the construction of a new 132-kV substation to replace the existing 33-kV facility. Officials were asked to assess transformer requirements and improve the electricity network to meet the area’s growing demand.
The state government also announced plans to establish a new educational institution in Faizullaganj offering classes from pre-primary through Class 12. The meeting reviewed additional requirements relating to sewage disposal and future drinking water demand.
Adityanath stressed that the embankment, drainage channels and pumping stations must be planned as an integrated system rather than implemented independently. He also called for faster dredging of the Gomti to improve the river’s capacity to carry water.
Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal said around 6,500 houses had been affected by the recent flooding and that the municipal corporation was providing assistance around the clock.
Relief operations are continuing across the affected areas. Officials have established 16 flood relief posts and eight shelters to support displaced and vulnerable residents.
Rescue efforts involve the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force and the 32nd Battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary. The teams are using 106 boats, 40 motorboats and 19 steamers to assist residents and carry out relief activities.
Meanwhile, municipal teams are conducting anti-larvae spraying and fogging to reduce the risk of mosquito borne diseases following the flooding. A round the clock control room has also been established to receive complaints and coordinate assistance.
The proposed projects are intended to strengthen Lucknow’s flood management infrastructure and reduce the recurring impact of heavy rainfall and rising river levels on vulnerable neighbourhoods. Their timely implementation will be crucial to improving drainage, protecting homes and ensuring better access to essential services during future flood events.