Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh govt has started modernisation work at the Gomti Barrage near Samtamulak Crossing to improve drinking water supply, flood management and barrage operations.The irrigation department has begun replacing old vertical gates of the barrage on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Officials said the work will ensure better water supply to the city areas and improve the functioning of the barrage.Officials said long exposure to river water caused biological and chemical corrosion in the barrage gates, affecting operations. The gates are being replaced in phases. Two gates were replaced in 2024 and four in 2025. Now, work on the remaining four gates is in progress.The department is also preparing to introduce SCADA technology for automated barrage operations. Officials said the system will allow digital monitoring and operation of gates, improve water-level management and reduce human error.Principal secretary, irrigation, Anil Garg said the Gomti Barrage, built between 1980 and 1983, maintains water levels at the Kudia Ghat Pumping Station, which supplies drinking water to large parts of Lucknow. The barrage also regulates the Gomti river flow during monsoon and helps prevent flooding in low-lying areas.Chief engineer (mechanical) Upendra Singh said the new gates were manufactured at the ISO-certified irrigation workshop in Bareilly. He said maintaining drinking water supply during the work was a challenge. So, the department built a cofferdam upstream to regulate water levels and maintain water flow towards the Kudia Ghat Pumping Station during repairs.Officials said repair and replacement work will continue during a 45-day shutdown period from May 8 to June 15.
