“No excuses, only action”: Yogi Adityanath’s stern stand on urban flooding (waterlogging)
Gorakhpur, July 22: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a clear warning to officials regarding the problem of waterlogging in Gorakhpur metropolis, stating that waterlogging will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He stated that water should not accumulate in any part of the city during the rainy season. If any negligence or laxity is found in the drainage system at any level, the concerned officials and employees will be held accountable and strict action will be taken against them.
The Chief Minister was chairing a review meeting on the district’s development works, flood protection, and drainage preparations in the Annexe Building auditorium on Wednesday. During the meeting, he directed officials from the Municipal Corporation, Irrigation, Public Works, Health, and other related departments to work with full responsibility and sensitivity.
He said that regular cleaning of all major and minor drains and sewers in the city should be ensured. Where necessary, encroachments should be removed to clear drainage channels. All municipal pumps should operate at full capacity during the rainy season to prevent waterlogging. He also directed that proposals for drain construction and repair be prepared in a timely manner and completed within the stipulated timeframe. Inquiring about previous waterlogging in Rapti Complex, Gorakh Enclave, Vijay Chowraha, and the Dharamshala area, the Chief Minister directed that drains be covered after cleaning, and no drain should be left open.
Chief Minister urged that the use of single-use plastic should be effectively banned to prevent clogged drains. He also emphasized the need to raise awareness among citizens and encourage them not to throw garbage into drains. Regular cleaning of every ward, slum, and vacant plot should be carried out. Fogging, spraying, and waste disposal should also be implemented effectively.
He urged that cleanliness campaigns should be made a part of the regular work culture in rural areas, and that active participation of public representatives should be ensured. Special attention should also be paid to the cleanliness of all government buildings. The Chief Minister directed officials to organize street vendors in the city. All streetlights should function properly, and CCTV cameras installed for public safety should be fully functional and up-to-date.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure that stray cattle are not visible on the streets. Proper arrangements should be made for their protection. Dog shelters should also be developed to address the problem of stray dogs, ensuring that citizens do not face any inconvenience. The Chief Minister directed the Chief Medical Officer to ensure adequate supplies of anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccines are available at all community and primary health centers, including the district hospital, to respond promptly to any emergencies during the rainy and flood season.
Reviewing flood preparedness, the Chief Minister directed that all embankments be regularly patrolled. Flood posts should be fully operational, and adequate arrangements for food, medical care, drinking water, and other essential amenities should be ensured at relief centers. Special health monitoring should be maintained in flood-affected villages to prevent infectious diseases, and damaged roads should be repaired immediately.
At the end of the meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated to the officials that “every officer and employee should work with full responsibility. Nowhere should an environment be created that causes difficulties for the public or raises questions about the working style of the administration. All necessary preparations should be completed in time so that people do not face any problems during rain and floods.”
