LUCKNOW, Feb. 24 -- A looming water crisis threatens over five lakh residents in Gomti Nagar and Chinhat as the much-needed desilting of Kathauta Lake remains stalled due to a funding deadlock. Despite the Lucknow Jal Nigam sanctioning the project tender in 2024, the cleaning work has yet to begin, worsening water storage issues for the upcoming summer.

The lake, a crucial backup when the irrigation department halts supply twice a year, has not been cleaned for several years. As a result, its water storage capacity has plummeted, leaving only a 15-day backup instead of the usual 30 days.

"The delay could disrupt supply to nearly one lakh households, affecting around five lakh residents, making summer even more difficult for residents," ...