Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday conducted aerial and ground inspections of several flood-affected areas along the Gomti River in Lucknow, announcing that embankments would be constructed along the river as a “permanent solution” to inundation woes.
Rising water levels in the Gomti River have created flood-like conditions in low-lying areas of Lucknow. Faizullaganj and the Bakshi Ka Talab region are among the worst-affected areas.
The chief minister met flood-affected residents in Harda village of Itaunja area to inquire about their well-being and distributed relief materials to some families.
Speaking on the occasion, Adityanath said, “Over the past 10 days, more than 50 districts in Uttar Pradesh have experienced heavy rainfall. This has caused water levels of several rivers in the state to rise. While the water level of the Gomti did not rise significantly in Lucknow initially, it subsequently increased as runoff from heavy rain in Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, and Nepal flowed downstream after about five days.”
He said areas between Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow North, and Faizullaganj to Naimish is currently grappling with waterlogging and flood-like conditions.
Adityanath conducted an aerial survey of affected areas stretching from Khajua to Naimish.
He said a survey would assess the feasibility of constructing embankments along the Gomti River from Faizullaganj to Naimish as a permanent solution to the flooding problem.
Adityanath said defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh had called on him Monday morning to express concern over the flood-like situation and highlight the need for constructing an embankment along the Gomti River between Faizullaganj and Naimish.
The chief minister said he has granted approval for this project, and directed the principal secretary of the irrigation department to survey the riverbanks and prepare a proposal for the construction of embankments.
He also emphasised the need for adequate arrangements to drain rainwater from villages situated outside the embankments. The irrigation department has been instructed to prepare a proposal, secure early approval, and make preparations to commence work.
Adityanath said adequate funds have been made available to the administration for relief and rescue operations.
He further said rations are being provided to every affected family in villages and neighbourhoods that are completely submerged. The supplies include 10 kg of rice, 10 kg of flour, 10 kg of potatoes, 2 kg of arhar dal, one litre of cooking oil, salt, spices, a bucket, puffed rice, gram, candles and matchboxes.
He also issued instructions to arrange for animal fodder and to ensure the availability of anti-venom to deal with snakebite incidents.
The chief minister said a survey of crop damage caused by the floods would be conducted, and eligible farmers would be provided compensation in accordance with the rules.
-PTI
