Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Sep 27: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over severe waterlogging on the Ganga Expressway, sharing a video of the affected stretch on X and suggesting that the road be renamed the “Ganga Express Waterway”.
“Rivers of BJP corruption are flowing on the Ganga Expressway,” Yadav said while sharing the video, describing the situation as “utterly condemnable”. His remarks came as heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted normal life across Uttar Pradesh, with at least 10 people killed and 17 injured in rain-related incidents.
The state witnessed widespread rainfall, with 63 districts recording above-normal rain. Officials said Uttar Pradesh received around 19 times its normal rainfall in the 24 hours ending Saturday morning, while heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds damaged standing crops and 117 houses.
In Unnao, heavy rain caused severe waterlogging near the Bashiratganj toll plaza on the Ganga Expressway. Hindustan Times reported that nearly three feet of water accumulated on the main carriageway, disrupting traffic and leaving some motorists stranded. Local reports said waterlogging began after prolonged rainfall in the area.
The Ganga Expressway, which spans about 594 km between Meerut and Prayagraj, is one of Uttar Pradesh's major expressway projects. The latest waterlogging has raised renewed concerns over drainage at the affected stretch.
According to reports, efforts were launched to remove the accumulated water, with pumping equipment deployed near the toll plaza. Vehicles faced difficulty passing through the waterlogged stretch, while commuters waited for conditions to improve.
The heavy rain also caused casualties in several parts of the state. Police said five people died in separate mud-wall collapse incidents, while five others were killed and 14 injured in incidents involving uprooted trees.
Four people were killed and several others injured in Gorakhpur. In Campierganj, an old sal tree fell on a hut in Gajarhiya Tola, killing Subhash, 55, Gyanmati Devi, 45, and Kishan Prajapati, 13. Two others were seriously injured.
In the Gagaha area, a mahua tree fell on Bhim Kumar Vishwakarma near Siyar Mod, killing him on the spot. In Jatepur Dakshini, an around 80-year-old pakad tree fell on a house, injuring four people and damaging electricity poles.
In Lucknow, three members of a family were injured after the wall of a mud house collapsed in Chaina village. They were rescued and shifted for medical treatment.
The rain also damaged 117 houses and standing crops across the state. Kannauj alone reported damage to 20 kutcha houses due to incessant rain.
Several districts recorded exceptionally high rainfall. Lucknow received 125.8 mm of rain in the 21 hours ending Saturday morning, while Banda recorded 227.6 mm, Fatehgarh 224 mm, Nanpara in Bahraich 217 mm, Hardoi 214 mm, Kayamganj in Farrukhabad 210 mm, Hamirpur 210 mm and Kannauj 204 mm in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am.
Waterlogging and traffic disruptions were reported from several areas, while trees brought down by strong winds affected roads and power supply.
The India Meteorological Department had warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Uttar Pradesh, with extremely heavy rainfall forecast in some areas. Its September 26 warning said eastern Uttar Pradesh could receive heavy rain on September 27, while western Uttar Pradesh was under a very heavy rainfall warning, along with thunderstorms and lightning.
Authorities also warned of a possible flash-flood risk in vulnerable watersheds. District administrations in areas under red and orange alerts were directed to remain vigilant, monitor waterlogged locations and take immediate action in emergencies.
Schools up to Class 12 were ordered to remain closed in several districts affected by the heavy-rain alert. Relief and rescue personnel, including fire services, Provincial Armed Constabulary, civil defence, home guards and Aapda Mitras, were placed on alert.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed district magistrates in affected areas to remain vigilant and visit vulnerable locations. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms and lightning and to stay away from open areas, trees and water bodies.
The Relief Commissioner urged people requiring emergency assistance to contact helpline 1070, while authorities continued to monitor rainfall, waterlogging and possible flash-flood conditions across the state.