Varanasi Waterlogging: UP Jal Nigam Executive Engineer Suspended Over Alleged Negligence

Lucknow, September 14 - The Yogi Government has taken a firm stance against officials neglecting public grievances, particularly in Varanasi's ongoing waterlogging issue. Executibe Engineer Pawan Kumar Gupta, based in the Construction Division (Civil/Mechanical) of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), has been suspended following allegations of negligence.

A departmental inquiry has been launched against him under Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999. The Chief Engineer (Procurement) of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban) in Lucknow has been appointed as the ex-officio Inquiry Officer to investigate the matter. According to the Urban Development Department, the required assessment and action plan for installing gates/barriers to prevent river backflow at the Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station were not prepared, and the necessary actions were not taken as directed by senior authorities.

The inquiry also found that pumps at the Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station and Goithaha STP were shut on September 3 and 4, leading to excessive load on sewer lines during heavy rainfall and subsequent waterlogging in low-lying areas. Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma had inspected the affected areas on September 12 and 13, warning of strict action against negligent officials.

Currently, Pawan Kumar Gupta has been attached to the office of the Chief Engineer (Kanpur Region) during his suspension, and will receive subsistence allowance as per rules.