Lucknow: UP govt has approved a surface water grid project under the Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region (UPSCR) to supply drinking water to Lucknow, Unnao, Barabanki, Rae Bareli, Sitapur and Hardoi by drawing water from the Ganga and Ghaghara rivers.LDA vice-chairperson Prathamesh Kumar said the project would create a long-term drinking water system based on surface water sources.In the first phase, a 120-130 km trunk pipeline will connect Barabanki, Lucknow and Unnao. Water for Barabanki will be sourced from the Ghaghara, while the Ganga will supply the Unnao side of the network.The first phase also includes intake structures and water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 1,500 MLD. Treatment plants with capacities of 200 MLD, 300 MLD and 500 MLD will be built at different locations before water is supplied.In the second phase, govt will develop a regional ring network linking all six districts.Officials said nearly 80% of the UPSCR region’s drinking water currently comes from groundwater. The region’s water demand in 2026 is estimated at 2,663 MLD, of which 2,138 MLD is met through groundwater and only 525 MLD through surface water.With rapid urbanisation and industrial expansion, demand is projected to rise to 4,100 MLD by 2051. The project has been designed with provision to expand treatment capacity from 1,500 MLD to 2,700 MLD to meet future requirements.
