Lucknow: The Gomti continued to rise marginally in Lucknow on Thursday, even as falling water levels upstream raised hopes of the river beginning to recede within the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, the district administration deployed 52 boats to provide relief and transport facilities to flood-affected residents.According to the irrigation department, the river level at Hanuman Setu rose by 6 cm, from 107.24 metres on Wednesday evening to 107.3 metres at 6 pm Thursday. At Gau Ghat, the level reached 108.6 metres, while Gomti Barrage recorded 107.05 metres.Upstream, Neemsar in Sitapur recorded a decline of 50 cm since Sept 29, reaching 121.52 metres, while Bhatpurwa fell by 15 cm to 113.01 metres since Oct 2. Officials expect the declining upstream trend to bring relief to Lucknow within 24 hours.District magistrate Vishakh G inspected flood-hit Jehta, Barawan Kalan, Saitha, Hayat Nagar, Munna Lal Khera and Umrai Khera by boat, distributing cooked meals and drinking water to affected families.A relief camp was established at Hayat Nagar, with medical and revenue teams deployed round the clock. Forest department personnel are stationed to rescue snakes and other animals entering flooded settlements, while mobile toilets have been arranged.
