CM Yogi Announces Embankment Project to Curb Gomti Flooding

Lucknow- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved an embankment project along the Gomti River from Faizullaganj to Naimish to reduce the impact of recurring floods in areas of Lucknow and surrounding regions.

The Chief Minister conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected stretch on Monday and later visited relief centres in Bakshi Ka Talab to assess the situation and review arrangements for affected residents.

Following the survey, Yogi directed the Principal Secretary of the Irrigation Department to conduct a detailed survey of the riverbank between Faizullaganj and Naimish and initiate the process for construction of the embankment. The Chief Minister said a properly designed embankment along the Gomti could significantly reduce flood-related damage in the affected areas. He directed officials to prepare the project proposal and begin the work at the earliest.

Yogi also stressed that drainage arrangements must be planned for villages and areas located outside the proposed embankment. He said water accumulated within the protected area should not remain stagnant if the river level rises, as this could increase the risk of water-borne diseases.

He directed authorities to use pumping sets to drain accumulated water back into the river when required.

The Chief Minister said the state government had approved the project and would expedite the release of funds. He added that the flood-protection system should remain effective during future flood seasons.

During his visit to flood-affected areas, Yogi interacted with residents at relief centres and reviewed the availability of food, medicines and other essential supplies. He also visited a health camp and spoke with doctors about medical arrangements.

He directed officials to accommodate displaced residents in schools and marriage halls instead of allowing them to remain in the open. Authorities were instructed to provide hot meals, milk for children, nutritious food for pregnant women and fodder for livestock.

The Chief Minister also ordered measures to protect animals from water-borne diseases. Yogi said adequate funds had been made available for relief and rescue operations. Dry ration kits for affected families include rice, flour, potatoes, arhar dal, cooking oil, salt, spices and other essential items, along with raincoats, buckets, puffed rice, candles and matchboxes.

He directed the administration to organise health and veterinary camps and ensure adequate fodder for cows, goats, buffaloes and horses.

Given the increased risk of snake and scorpion bites during flooding, the Chief Minister said anti-snake venom had been stocked at health centres, while anti-rabies injections were also available.

Yogi directed officials to provide financial assistance of ₹4 lakh to families of people who die due to drowning or lightning strikes.

He also ordered surveys of damaged houses, human casualties, livestock losses and crop damage. Eligible families would be considered for assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Chief Minister housing schemes, while affected farmers would be provided compensation as per applicable provisions.

The police were instructed to maintain security in flood-hit villages, particularly at night when residents may have moved to relief centres. Regular patrolling by village watchmen, Home Guards, PRD personnel and police was ordered.

The administration was also asked to arrange petromax lamps and solar lights at relief camps and other locations where necessary.

According to the Chief Minister, more than 50 districts have experienced heavy rainfall over the past ten days, resulting in rising water levels in several rivers.

He said rainfall in Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and parts of Nepal led to downstream water flow that reached the Gomti several days later, contributing to the rise in its water level.

Areas from Bakshi Ka Talab and Lucknow North through Faizullaganj towards Naimish have subsequently faced waterlogging and flooding.

Yogi assured affected residents that the government would continue relief and rescue operations and provide all possible assistance until the situation improves.