Gorakhpur: Urban Flood Management Cell Earns National Recognition; Rs 220 Cr Sanctioned For Upgrades

The Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation’s Urban Flood Management Cell (UFMC), set up to address waterlogging issues in the city, has received national praise for its effective functioning. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has granted in-principle approval to provide financial assistance of Rs 750 crore for upgrading the system, with Rs 220 crore sanctioned in the first phase. The remaining funds will be released after evaluating the progress of the project.

The sanctioned amount will be utilised to strengthen urban flood management using the Blue-Green Infrastructure Development framework. Following NDMA’s approval, the Municipal Corporation has initiated the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), focusing on the modernisation of UFMC and the promotion of green and blue initiatives.

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Of the Rs 220 crore sanctioned, 90 per cent will be provided by the central government and 10 per cent by the state government, Rs 200 crore and Rs 20 crore respectively. Officials said the joint financial backing highlights the importance placed by both governments on resolving the city’s flood-related issues.

Under the proposed upgrades, the number of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs), currently limited to Chargawan and the District Magistrate's office, will be increased from 15 to 20 for real-time rainwater assessment across different areas. Automatic Water Level Recorders (AWLRs) will also be installed along medium and large drains to enable scientific monitoring of rising water levels during the monsoon and prevent waterlogging.

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In the green development component, the corporation plans to adopt natural water treatment methods similar to those used at Takia Ghat for drain discharge. Major wetlands, including Mahesra, Chilua Tal, Ramgarh Tal and Sumer Sagar, will be conserved and beautified, with emphasis on natural materials rather than concrete in upcoming infrastructure projects.

“The Municipal Corporation’s UFMC has received national recognition. A DPR will be prepared soon and sent to NDMA,” said Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Singh Sogarwal.