Prayagraj, 23 Aug (HS): A permanent solution should be found

to the recurring problem of waterlogging in the world-famous city of Prayagraj.

A foolproof action plan should be developed, taking into account the needs of

the next 100 years, and quality work should be carried out accordingly.

Suggestions from local public representatives and councilors should be

incorporated into the action plan. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya

issued these instructions on Sunday in a review meeting with administrative officials

regarding flooding and waterlogging in the Circuit House auditorium.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that in case of waterlogging

anywhere in the city, drainage arrangements must be ensured within 24 hours. He

emphasized the need for permanent solutions to drainage-related problems,

rather than just providing immediate relief. He called for meetings with local

public representatives and the relevant implementing agencies to gather their

experiences and suggestions, so that plans are tailored to the actual needs of

the situation.

Flood-affected farmers should get compensation soon: Keshav

Prasad Maurya, while reviewing the flood situation in the district, directed

officials to conduct a survey of crop and other damage in the flood-affected

areas. He said that the survey work should be completed expeditiously and

compensation should be provided to the affected farmers and other victims as

per the rules.

He also directed that special clean-up drives and health

camps be launched in the affected areas after the floodwaters recede. He said

that health department teams should be deployed in the affected areas to ensure

that people do not face illness or any other problems. District Magistrate

Manish Kumar Verma said that floodwaters had reached some villages in Koraon

and Bara tehsils. Affected people were immediately evacuated to relief centers

and provided with necessary facilities.

Instructions to remove waterlogging at Medical Square,

Rambagh and Allahpur: Legislative Council member Dr. KP Srivastava raised the

issue of waterlogging at Medical Square during the meeting. The Deputy Chief

Minister directed the Municipal Commissioner to resolve the problem on

priority. City North MLA Harsh Vardhan Vajpayee raised the issue of

waterlogging in Rambagh, Georgetown, Tagore Town, and Allahpur. The Deputy

Chief Minister directed immediate action for these areas as well.

The Municipal Commissioner stated that a plan for a

permanent solution to the waterlogging problem in these areas has been

submitted to the government. Government approval has been received for the

construction of a separate drainage line from CMP to Mori Gate and a 40 MLD

pumping station. Additionally, work has been approved for the widening of the

80-foot road and the Dandia drain.

Plans were also announced to construct a bypass drain from

the Kundan Guest House, behind the cemetery, and from behind the EWS Colony to

the Allahpur Pumping Station. Officials say this will help alleviate

waterlogging in the areas.

A WhatsApp group will be formed for public representatives

and officials: The Deputy Chief Minister said that a WhatsApp group should be

created for public representatives, local councilors, and officials from

relevant departments involved in the drainage system. Immediate action should

be taken on complaints regarding waterlogging or drainage. He also directed to

get all the sewer lines constructed in the city mapped, so that in future the

officials have correct information about the sewer system and there is no

problem in planning any project.

Dissatisfaction expressed over the actions of Ganga

Pollution Control Unit: The Deputy Chief Minister expressed displeasure over

complaints received regarding the work of the Ganga Pollution Control Unit. He

directed officials to conduct on-site inspections of the work and, wherever

deficiencies were found, to immediately address them to ensure quality work.

He directed that illegal encroachments and construction in

the Gangetic plains be continuously monitored. Divisional Commissioner Dr.

Lokesh M., District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, MP Praveen Patel, MLAs Dr.

Vachaspati, Harshvardhan Vajpayee, Guru Prasad Maurya, Legislative Council

member Surendra Chaudhary, and Dr. K.P. Srivastava, along with other public

representatives and officials from the relevant departments, were present at

the meeting.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi