Prayagraj Residents Get Relief as UP Government Approves Mini Dam Project
In a significant development for the residents of Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has given its approval for the construction of a mini dam on the Ghaghar drain. This crucial infrastructure project aims to address the persistent issues of flooding and waterlogging that have plagued the Yamuna riverbank areas of the district for years.
Financial Sanction and Project Timeline
The project has received a substantial financial sanction of Rs 33.12 crore, demonstrating the government's commitment to solving this long-standing problem. According to official plans, construction work is scheduled to commence by the last week of February, marking a swift response to the urgent need for flood control measures.
The Ghaghar Drain Challenge
The Ghaghar drain, which serves as Prayagraj's largest drainage channel, has been a source of recurring distress for local residents. The drain frequently overflows when the Yamuna river experiences flooding, causing rainwater to push back into residential neighborhoods. This backflow phenomenon has led to extensive waterlogging and property damage in affected areas.
Last year's particularly severe flooding left the Ghaghar drain waterlogged for several consecutive days, resulting in water intrusion into homes located near the drain. This incident caused widespread disruption and significantly impacted the large population residing in nearby localities, highlighting the critical need for permanent solutions.
Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Strategy
Following the devastating impact of last year's floods, the district administration conducted a thorough assessment and submitted a detailed report to the state government. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, authorities initiated a structured flood mitigation plan to address the root causes of the problem.
The technical framework for this ambitious project was developed by the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), which prepared and submitted the design proposal to relevant authorities last year. After receiving official approval, the execution responsibility was assigned to Construction & Design Services (CDS), the engineering wing of Jal Nigam.
Project Specifications and Implementation
Under the approved plan, a mini dam equipped with three gates will be constructed on the Ghaghar drain. During periods of Yamuna flooding, these gates will be strategically closed to prevent backflow into the drainage system. Water accumulated in the drain will then be efficiently discharged using a newly constructed pumping station in the Kareli area.
In addition to the dam structure, nearly 1 kilometre of the Ghaghar drain will undergo comprehensive renovation and widening to approximately 30 feet. This enhancement will significantly improve the drain's capacity to handle excess water during heavy rainfall and flooding events.
Expected Benefits and Coverage Areas
The project is expected to provide substantial relief to residents in multiple localities, including:
- Malviyanagar
- Sadiyapur
- Katara Dariyabad
- Kakraha Ghat
- Kareli
- Shastri Nagar
According to Rohit Kumar Rana, Project Manager at CDS, "Work on the mini dam, three gates, and pumping station on the Ghaghar drain will begin by the end of February. This will ensure that rainwater does not back up into homes during Yamuna floods, and houses along the drain remain protected."
Broader Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond the Ghaghar drain initiative, the comprehensive flood management plan includes additional infrastructure upgrades. Authorities plan to install pumping stations on two other drains that feed into the Ghaghar system, as well as on the Chachar drain. These supplementary measures will further strengthen Prayagraj's overall stormwater management infrastructure, creating a more resilient urban drainage system.
This multi-faceted approach represents a significant step forward in addressing Prayagraj's chronic flooding challenges, offering hope for improved living conditions and enhanced safety for thousands of residents in vulnerable areas.
