The Uttar Pradesh government has ramped up efforts to combat urban flooding, directing the Urban Development Department to focus on modern drainage technology, flood prevention, and riverbank reinforcement to mitigate waterlogging risks well in advance.

As part of this initiative, modern drainage systems are being developed across key municipal corporations, including Lucknow, Mathura, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Shahjahanpur. To support this large-scale revamp, the government has allocated Rs 7.5 billion, which will fund drainage system upgrades, redevelopment of existing drains, and the construction of new infrastructure in these cities.

In a recent review meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the Urban Development Department and Jal Nigam to strengthen sewage and drainage networks, ensure regular drain cleaning, promote rainwater harvesting, and set up new pumping stations to prevent waterlogging. Officials have confirmed that under the Smart City Mission, drainage systems are being digitised in cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur to enable real-time monitoring and rapid response in emergencies.

Major Drainage Projects Across Cities

Lucknow: Rs 1.93 billion has been allocated for the redevelopment of the Qila Mohammadi drain, covering 10.571 km and benefiting 2.5 lakh people. Additionally, Rs 1.12 billion will be used to divert the Geetapalli drain via a 4.435 km-long RCC drainage line, improving water management for 5 lakh residents. Meerut: The Oden drain project, worth Rs 1.56 billion, will cover an 18.33 sq km area and benefit 4.35 lakh people. Ghaziabad: The construction of the Shahberi drain will cost Rs 132.65 crore, addressing waterlogging issues for 3.9 lakh residents. Mathura: Rs 89.71 crore will be invested in the Bhuteshwar to Ambakhar drain project, benefiting 75,000 people. Shahjahanpur: A Rs 47.75 crore drainage improvement initiative from Roza Adda to Damah Puliya will enhance the city’s water management.

Market Outlook With rapid urbanisation, urban flooding has emerged as a critical challenge across India. The UP government’s proactive approach in modernising drainage networks and integrating real-time monitoring systems reflects a growing shift towards sustainable urban infrastructure. Such initiatives set a precedent for other states to adopt advanced water management strategies, ensuring resilient cities that can withstand the increasing impact of extreme weather events.