Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Reviews Flood Management Strategy Ahead of Monsoon Season
In a proactive move to bolster the state's resilience against potential natural calamities, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a crucial meeting in Lucknow on Tuesday. The session focused on evaluating ongoing and forthcoming irrigation initiatives, with a particular emphasis on fortifying flood defense mechanisms before the onset of the summer and monsoon periods.
Comprehensive Preparedness and Coordinated Action Emphasized
Addressing senior officials, CM Adityanath underscored the imperative for thorough readiness and seamless collaboration among departments. He highlighted that effective flood management hinges on anticipatory planning and robust inter-agency coordination, especially given forecasts of heavy rainfall and possible inundation.
"The quality of our preparation directly influences our ability to tackle challenges swiftly and successfully," stated the Chief Minister. "It is mandatory to execute time-bound repairs, reinforcement, and continuous monitoring of all embankments, drainage systems, and vulnerable sites. Vigilance, synchronized efforts, and adherence to deadlines form the cornerstone of safe flood management."
Identification of Sensitive River Basins and Embankments
During the briefing, Anil Garg, Principal Secretary of Irrigation and Water Resources, presented a detailed analysis of flood-prone zones across Uttar Pradesh. He reported that districts situated along the Ganga, Saryu, Rapti, Ramganga, Gandak, Yamuna, Gomti, and Son river basins are particularly susceptible to flooding.
Based on meticulous assessments of river corridors and precipitation trends, authorities have pinpointed 18 embankments spanning 12 districts as sensitive this year. These structures cover a total length of 241.58 kilometers and require heightened surveillance.
Furthermore, Garg revealed that 19 embankments across 11 districts, extending over 465 kilometers, have been classified as extremely sensitive. Advanced safety enhancements are currently underway at all these locations to mitigate risks.
Large-Scale Drainage and Dredging Initiatives Underway
The irrigation department is implementing extensive cleaning and dredging operations to ensure unobstructed water flow in rural regions. With a network of 10,727 drains totaling 60,047 kilometers, the focus is on maintaining optimal drainage capacity.
Several key routes have already been cleared, and dredging projects sanctioned for the 2025-26 fiscal year are being rolled out district by district. These measures aim to improve river currents and alleviate waterlogging in riparian areas.
Drawing lessons from past flooding incidents, the department has also introduced new proposals, which are undergoing testing and approval processes to enhance future response capabilities.
Technological Integration and Strategic Priorities Outlined
CM Adityanath advocated for the adoption of modern technologies to strengthen monitoring and coordination. He instructed officials to ensure real-time oversight at all embankments and barrages, leveraging tools such as drone mapping and water level sensors in tandem with local administration.
"In river segments where excessive silt accumulation has caused shallowing, dredging must be prioritized to channelize the watercourse," he directed. "Embankments or other erosion control methods should only be considered if dredging proves infeasible."
This comprehensive review underscores Uttar Pradesh's commitment to preemptive disaster management, aiming to safeguard communities and infrastructure through strategic planning and timely execution of flood control projects.
