Gomti flood disrupts Lucknow, receding expected

The swollen Gomti river has disrupted daily life across Lucknow, inundating cremation grounds, temples, and the SAGE Cricket Stadium, and cutting off access to the riverfront. Floodwater entered the Gulala Ghat crematorium, forcing suspension of last rites there, while at Bhaisakund, only 11 of 32 wooden platforms remain usable, according to Hindustan Times. The Chandrika Devi temple in Bakshi Ka Talab has been closed for three days since Tuesday, 6 October.

Officials from the irrigation department said the river is expected to start receding from Thursday, 8 October, as upstream levels have begun falling. The Central Water Commission recorded the Gomti at 107.25 metres at Hanuman Setu on Wednesday, 7 October, below the warning level of 108.50 metres. No significant rainfall has occurred since 27 September, with flooding driven by upstream discharge.

The Lucknow Development Authority has proposed 12 flood pumping stations between IIM Road and Kisan Path, costing Rs 148.87 crore, to tackle waterlogging along the Gomti. Eight stations will have a capacity of 400 kilolitres and four of 600 kilolitres. The project awaits state government approval, after which construction will be taken up by LDA and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation.