The Gomti’s water level fell by up to 13 cm in 24 hours, bringing some relief to flood-hit areas, but waterlogging may persist in low-lying localities even as the river recedes, authorities said on Sunday.
The department plans to survey the proposed embankment stretch from Faizullaganj to Naimisharanya, announced by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, to identify land required for construction. Despite the decline, water trapped in low-lying residential areas may take longer to drain. Uttar Pradesh urban development and energy minister AK Sharma has directed officials to expedite drainage work in flood-affected Faizullaganj and ensure adequate civic amenities and uninterrupted electricity supply across urban areas ahead of Dussehra and Diwali.
Mukesh Vaish, executive engineer, Lucknow division, irrigation department, said the department would consider closing the Gomti barrage gates once the water level fell below 105.60 metres. The current level is 1.36 metres above the threshold.
The barrage gates will also remain open until the river level falls below the prescribed threshold, authorities said. Vaish said identifying suitable land and resolving acquisition-related issues would be the main challenges in taking the project forward.
