Lucknow, Oct. 3 -- The Lucknow administration along with Jal Nigam has drawn up a plan to identify and revive existing ponds and lakes across the district, with 30 water bodies now shortlisted for rejuvenation under a proposed project estimated at Rs.47.95 crore. The exercise was set in motion following a February 27, 2026 review meeting chaired by the chief secretary, where officials discussed a concrete action plan to address drinking-water challenges in Lucknow. The proceedings directed officials to identify all existing ponds and lakes in the district, physically verify them and prepare pre-feasibility reports for their revival, specifically as a short-term measure to improve groundwater levels and strengthen water conservation. The initiative has its roots in a long-running public interest litigation (PIL No. 5059/2016) before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad high court. Chief engineer Jal Nigam Sanhay Kumar Gautam said, "Initially, a list of 26 ponds/lakes in Bakshi Ka Talab tehsil was subjected to joint physical verification by teams of the UP Jal Nigam (Urban) and Revenue Department in January 2026. Of these, nine were found suitable for water storage.Of the 98 water bodies inspected, 30 have been shortlisted as suitable for water storage, comprising 10 in Sarojini Nagar, nine in Bakshi Ka Talab, seven in Mohanlalganj, three in Malihabad and one in Sadar." Later, the administration expanded the exercise to the entire district....