The Uttar Pradesh government is undertaking a major revamp of flood protection infrastructure in Gorakhpur by replacing five-decade-old regulators on the Herbert embankment with modern structures. The initiative, carried out under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to improve flood management along the Rapti river while also enhancing urban connectivity through a four-lane road project.
Embankment Widening and Road Project
The 3.9-kilometer-long Herbert embankment, originally constructed during the British era along the left bank of the Rapti river, is being widened from seven meters to 25 meters by the Public Works Department. This expansion will not only strengthen flood defenses but also provide better road connectivity for the city.
Reconstruction of Regulators
Simultaneously, the irrigation department has completed the reconstruction of eight regulators at a cost of Rs 30.28 crore. According to Anand Gautam, executive engineer of the drainage division, the new regulators have been built with box drains to improve water discharge during heavy rainfall and floods.
Officials stated that the upgraded system would provide significant relief from waterlogging in the city and make the flood protection mechanism more robust. Modern trash racks will also be installed at all eight regulators to prevent solid waste and carcasses from flowing into the river through drains, thereby reducing pollution in the Rapti.
Locations of Rebuilt Regulators
The rebuilt regulators are located at Domingarh, Baharampur, Ilahibagh, Mirzapur, Basantpur Narkatia, Ghasiyari, Hansupur Rajghat, and Transport Nagar.
