UP Government Plans 115-km Gomti River Embankment to Reduce Flood Risks

The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing a flood-protection plan for the Gomti River following flooding in low-lying areas of Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to assess the vulnerable river stretches between Faizullaganj in Lucknow and Naimish in Sitapur district.

According to media reports, the proposed embankment could extend approximately 115 kilometres, with an estimated cost of ₹2,000 crore. The project remains under planning, with detailed technical assessments and a detailed project report (DPR) required before construction can proceed.

Officials Asked to Prepare the Plan

The proposal follows recent flooding in parts of Lucknow, where rising water levels in the Gomti affected residential areas and disrupted daily life. Faizullaganj and other low-lying localities were among the areas facing flood-related concerns.

The irrigation department has been directed to survey vulnerable stretches and prepare proposals for flood-protection measures. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) is also involved in planning related infrastructure. The final design, funding arrangements, approvals and construction schedule will depend on the project's technical and administrative processes.

Drainage Also a Key Concern

Flood protection in Lucknow involves more than preventing river water from entering residential areas. Heavy rainfall can also cause waterlogging when drainage systems cannot remove accumulated water quickly.

Coordination with existing infrastructure, drainage channels and pumping arrangements will therefore be important. These measures can help address situations in which rainwater becomes trapped while river levels remain high.

Potential Impact on Residents

For people living in flood-prone neighbourhoods, recurring flooding can damage homes, affect local businesses and interrupt access to roads and essential services. A properly designed embankment could help reduce some of these risks, although its effectiveness will depend on engineering design, construction quality and supporting drainage systems.

Land requirements, environmental considerations, technical feasibility and funding will also need to be assessed as the project moves through the planning process.

Next Steps

The government’s next steps include surveying vulnerable areas and preparing the detailed project plan. The reported 115-kilometre length and ₹2,000 crore estimated cost should be treated as provisional until confirmed through official project documents.

Source: Media reports citing the Uttar Pradesh government's directions and planning by the irrigation department and Lucknow Development Authority.