Lucknow: Gomti Riverfront Closed Due to Waterlogging
The Lucknow Development Authority has suspended all ticketing and entry at the Gomti Riverfront due to rising water levels and waterlogging.
The popular Gomti Riverfront in Lucknow has been shut to the public until further notice following heavy rainfall that has led to significant waterlogging across the area. The district administration took the decision on Saturday to ensure public safety as rising water levels began affecting the pathways along the river's banks.
Ticketing Suspended Amid Rising Water Levels
According to an official notice issued by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), the heavy rains over the past few days have caused the Gomti River to swell. This rise in water has resulted in flooding on both the left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) of the riverfront pathways.
The authorities have implemented the following restrictions:
- Complete Suspension of Services: All ticketing services have been halted immediately.
- No Public Entry: Visitors are strictly prohibited from entering the premises until the situation stabilizes.
- Safety First: The closure is a precautionary measure to prevent any accidents involving citizens near the waterlogged zones.
Despite the flooding on the walkways, the LDA clarified that no damage to property has been reported so far.
Barabanki: Temple Saved from River Erosion
While Lucknow deals with the aftermath of the rain, nearby Barabanki has seen a different kind of river-related crisis. Authorities have successfully managed to protect the Baba Narayan Das Temple from the erosive forces of the Saryu River.
Shashi Kant Singh, the Executive Engineer of the Flood Division in Barabanki, explained that as the water level of the Saryu River began to drop, it created a risk of bank erosion. He noted that when river levels recede, the movement of water often pulls boulders and debris inward, which can undermine the stability of the banks.
Constant Monitoring in Progress
Singh reported that the river's depth had cut approximately 12 to 15 meters ahead of the site. However, he provided reassurance regarding the safety of the religious site:
"Right now, the temple is completely safe, and the water level is dropping rapidly. We are constantly monitoring the situation, providing boulders and debris wherever needed. Through everyone's collective efforts, we have successfully saved the temple for now."
The engineer credited the successful protection of the temple to the coordinated efforts of the technical teams, local workers, and the public, who have been working day and night to manage the shifting riverbanks.