GORAKHPUR, July 5 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has approved Rs.93.72 crore for the second phase of the Godhoiya Nala project, aimed at strengthening the city's drainage network and mitigating waterlogging in several densely populated areas, officials said on Saturday. Executive engineer of the Jal Nigam, Pankaj Kumar, said that under the approved phase, the remaining stretches of the major drain will be channelised to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater and sewage, complementing the ongoing first phase of the ambitious Godhoiya Nala rejuvenation project. He said the drainage network has been designed to channel rainwater from areas such as Basharatpur, Ashok Nagar, Ram Janaki Nagar, Khajanchi Chowk, Rail Vihar, Rapti Nagar, and the Sports College locality. However, several link drains carrying water from colonies including Preet Vihar, Rajnagar, Shakti Nagar, Shivpur, Shahbazganj, Adityapuri, Dharampur, Shahpur, Awas Vikas Colony, Ghosipurwa, Maitripuram, and Bichhia are yet to be connected to the main channel. "The construction of the main Godhoiya drain has been completed, and work on connecting the smaller drains is progressing rapidly. The remaining work will be completed shortly, after which waterlogging in these areas will be significantly reduced," Kumar said. Officials said the project is expected to provide long-term relief from chronic waterlogging in several neighbourhoods while improving sanitation facilities for thousands of residents. Under the first phase, the state government has already undertaken interception, diversion and treatment works, including the construction of RCC drains, sewer lines and a 38-MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). "The approval of the second phase will help complete the remaining channelisation work and further strengthen the city's drainage infrastructure. It will play a significant role in preventing urban flooding during the monsoon," Kumar added. The Godhoiya Nala project, one of Gorakhpur's flagship urban infrastructure initiatives, aims to rejuvenate the city's principal drainage channel and improve overall stormwater management. Meanwhile, residents said recent rainfall had already led to waterlogging in some localities....