Stories
Faizullaganj Submerged: 40,000 Homes Underwater as Gomti Swells in Lucknow
- •Faizullaganj in Lucknow is severely affected by the rising Gomti River, with 40,000 homes inundated by 4-5 feet of water, impacting nearly three lakh people.
- •The area's low-lying location near the Gomti and choked drains contribute to prolonged waterlogging, even after local rainfall subsides.
- •Upstream rainfall has caused the Gomti to rise significantly, reaching nearly eight feet above normal, leading to the opening of all 10 barrage gates.
- •Residents face challenges accessing essential supplies, with roads submerged, shops closed, and allegations of boatmen charging for transport.
- •Concerns are rising over increased threats from snakes, disease spread, and the struggle of residents in interior areas to receive relief.
Key Questions Answered
The severe flooding is caused by the rising water level of the Gomti River for the sixth consecutive day, coupled with low-lying terrain, choked drains, and upstream runoff pushing back water into residential neighborhoods.
Authorities have deployed relief and health teams, distributed medicines, chlorine tablets, and ORS via mobile medical units, and deployed boats for transportation, while the Municipal Commissioner has ordered clean drinking water and emergency evacuations for vulnerable groups.
Despite a major drain being constructed at a cost of Rs 55 crore to provide relief to several neighborhoods, recurring waterlogging has persisted due to rapid, unplanned expansion, illegal plotting along the riverbank, and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
