With new drainage projects, upgradation of infra, LMC plans to end waterlogging woes

Lucknow: Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) is launching major drainage projects to prevent the persistent waterlogging that plagues the city during the monsoon season.
LMC commissioner Inderjit Singh shared details of the plan, which includes constructing and upgrading several key drainage systems in different zones of the city.
In Faizullahganj (zone three), a new drain is currently under construction, aimed at serving between 1.5 lakh and two lakh residents by efficiently managing water drainage up to the Gomti river."The drain will span nine km and is being laid at a cost of Rs 45 crores," said Singh. "Additionally, we are investing Rs 2.66 crores on road and drain infrastructure." He also mentioned that in Jankipuram, the pump house capacity will be increased with a budget of Rs 5 crores.
For the Gomtinagar and Gomtinagar Extension areas, the existing drainage system from the high court to the Gomti river will be widened and deepened to accommodate the growing population and infrastructure. "The current drain often overflows during heavy rains due to its limited capacity," Singh explained. "We are remodeling it to better meet the future needs of the area, with a project cost of Rs 150 crores." This project has already been submitted for govt approval and will be monitored by the HC.
On Kanpur Road, the Qila Mohammadadi drain will be widened, benefiting over 10 lakh residents by reducing water accumulation. "The state govt has approved a Rs 68 crore budget for this crucial project," Singh noted. "During the monsoon, this drain is our main defence against waterlogging, but it often gets blocked. Our plan includes widening the drain and improving its slope towards the Sai River." Areas such as Transport Nagar, LDA Colony, Ashiana and Alambagh, which are particularly prone to flooding, will see significant improvement.
Singh identified Sarojininagar as a low-lying area prone to waterlogging, while Sitapur Road is located on a higher plain, contributing to uneven water distribution. Currently, the LMC utilizes 47 flood pumping stations to direct excess water to the Gomti River during heavy rainfall.
"These improvements in drainage infrastructure will ensure that our city can better handle the heavy rains, minimizing the disruption to daily life," Singh emphasized. "These projects are a critical step towards a more sustainable and habitable environment for all residents," he added