LUCKNOW, Oct. 7 -- "Where will we get the money to pay Rs.1,000 every time we need a boat?" asked a local, as floodwaters stretched across the lanes of Faizullaganj, leaving thousands stranded and turning the route to homes, food and medicines into a costly boat journey.

The irony is hard to miss: the administration now has 80 boats operating in the area, but residents, relief workers and animal rescuers say getting a free ride remains a struggle, forcing some to hire private boatmen charging Rs.1,000 to Rs.2,000.

Santosh Tripathi, a social activist, told HT that he had to pay Rs.2,000 for a boat while visiting the area on Monday evening to distribute relief material. "Even for social work we had to pay a fare. Imagine those who are act...