Flood protection system overhauled in GKH

Gorakhpur: The UP govt is revamping the flood protection infrastructure in Gorakhpur by replacing the five-decade-old regulators on the Herbert embankment with modern structures.The initiative, being carried out under the direction of CM Yogi, aims to improve flood management along the Rapti river while also enhancing urban connectivity through a four-lane road project.The 3.9-km-long Herbert embankment, originally constructed during the British era along the left bank of the Rapti river, is being widened from seven metres to 25 metres by the Public Works Department.Simultaneously, the irrigation department has completed reconstruction of eight regulators at a cost of Rs 30.28 crore.According to executive engineer, Anand Gautam of the drainage division, new regulators have been built with box drains to improve water discharge during heavy rainfall and floods.Officials said 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.The rebuilt regulators are located at Domingarh, Baharampur, Ilahibagh, Mirzapur, Basantpur Narkatia, Ghasiyari, Hansupur Rajghat and Transport Nagar.