Zillar Barta Desk, Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday conducted an aerial survey and ground inspection of flood-affected areas in and around Lucknow following a rise in the water level of the Gomti River.
The Chief Minister surveyed affected stretches from Faizullaganj to Naimish, including areas around Bakshi Ka Talab, where several localities have been facing waterlogging and flood-like conditions. He later met affected residents, reviewed relief operations and distributed essential supplies to families at relief centres.
Officials said heavy rainfall across more than 50 districts of Uttar Pradesh over the past 10 days has contributed to rising water levels in several rivers. Rainfall in Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and parts of Nepal resulted in additional water reaching the Gomti downstream several days later, contributing to the rise in its level around Lucknow.
During his visit, Yogi Adityanath interacted with flood-affected families and assessed the availability of food, medicines and other essential services. He also visited a health camp and instructed officials to ensure adequate medical facilities in affected areas.
As a long-term flood-control measure, the Chief Minister directed the Irrigation Department to conduct a detailed survey of the Gomti riverbank from Faizullaganj in Lucknow to Naimish in Sitapur and prepare a proposal for constructing an embankment. The proposed infrastructure is intended to reduce the impact of future flooding in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister also stressed that drainage arrangements must be developed alongside the embankment. Pumping systems would be required to remove rainwater from areas outside the embankment so that water does not remain stagnant and create additional health risks.
The state administration has been instructed to intensify relief and rescue operations. Authorities have been asked to shift vulnerable residents, including children, pregnant women and elderly people, to safer locations where necessary.
Relief camps are providing essential food and other supplies to affected families, while arrangements are also being made for livestock, medical assistance and protection against water-related diseases.
The Chief Minister said the government would continue monitoring the situation closely and provide assistance to families affected by the flooding. The administration has also been directed to assess crop damage and provide compensation to eligible farmers according to existing rules.
The flooding has once again highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying areas along the Gomti. With the river continuing to remain under close observation, authorities are focusing on immediate relief while simultaneously working on longer-term flood-control infrastructure.
