Lucknow, May 8: The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh is implementing major changes to enhance flood control and management. The administration is shifting from traditional flood control methods to innovative approaches, aiming to save millions of rupees. This new strategy will also reduce the need for repeated acquisition of farmers’ land for flood control measures.
The state government has secured approximately 4.072 million hectares of land in flood-affected districts using these new methods, benefiting over 30 million people. Plans are underway to expand these flood control techniques further.
Previously, flood management focused on constructing large stone embankments, gabion walls (stone walls in wire boxes), and substantial dams and levees. The new approach emphasizes dredging rivers and large drains in sensitive areas to enhance their capacity to handle water flow.
In Lakhimpur Kheri, this new method was adopted under a flood safety project. Engineers dredged the river to increase its capacity, costing only 22 crore rupees, compared to the initial estimate of 180 crore rupees for traditional flood control preparations. Similarly, around the Elgin Bridge in Barabanki and the Saryu region, the new method incurred just 5 crore rupees, while previous estimates for other measures were around 115 crore rupees.
In this context, departments related to flood control have collaborated with engineers to make significant changes in sections of the Ghaghara, Sharda, and Suheli rivers. Dredging has been conducted along these rivers, extending their capacity by approximately 9 to 16 kilometers. This model will reduce the acquisition of agricultural land in flood-prone districts for constructing embankments and earthen dams each monsoon, directly benefiting farmers.
Over the past eight years under the Yogi government, approximately 1,665 flood control projects have been completed. Additionally, dredging has been carried out in 60 rivers, and several canals have been constructed. In 2026, a new model for flood control will include drone and sensor-based monitoring of high-risk rivers and drains, prioritizing the dredging process.
The Yogi government aims to reduce costs associated with spurs (large stones placed along riverbanks), geo bags (large sand-filled bags), repairing old structures, replacing stones, and emergency reinforcement works through these new methods. While old techniques will not be completely phased out, alternatives will be explored.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment