Ahead of monsoon season, UP govt. gears up with flood control measures across several districts

Floods are the most frequently transpiring natural disasters in Uttar Pradesh, affecting parts of the state almost every year. Annually, an average of 26.89 lakh hectares of land is impacted by floods, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹432 crore. This loss encompasses damage to crops, houses, and livestock. Additionally, floods in the region also lead to the loss of human life.

Consequently, with a motive to assess the preparedness and implementation of flood mitigation measures in various districts of the state a dedicated meeting was recently convened in the presence of UP CM and other state officials. During the meeting, the concerned officials were further directed to complete the necessary flood control measures by June 15.

As part of the comprehensive initiatives, approximately 50 flood control rooms have been established across various districts, alongside plans to set up a central control room in Lucknow. These control rooms will be responsible for monitoring flood situations and coordinating control measures. They are scheduled to be operational from June 15 until the conclusion of the monsoon season, typically extending until October.

With the objective of ensuring the safety of residents residing in flood-prone districts, a substantial number of flood-related projects have been successfully accomplished. Specifically, in the year 2022-2023, more than 282 flood projects were completed, contributing to the overall tally of over 982 successfully executed flood projects.

Presently, a comprehensive total of 412 projects are actively underway, comprising 265 newly initiated projects, 7 projects related to dredging and 140 other miscellaneous projects. Notably, substantial progress has been made in completing the construction of numerous embankments well in advance of the onset of the monsoon season.

Approximately 50% of the work on over 325 projects has been successfully accomplished at this stage.

Furthermore, a central wireless control centre has been set up in Uttar Pradesh Police Radio Headquarters, Lucknow to facilitate exchange of flood related information during the monsoon season.