LUCKNOW, May 5 -- The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday approved Rs.200-crore flood protection projects in vulnerable districts, including Gorakhpur, Shravasti, Amethi, Sitapur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur and Bulandshahr.

The state government has also directed the department of irrigation and water resources to ensure robust flood control preparations before the onset of monsoon in all the districts.

Funded under the state-sponsored flood control plan and NABARD-supported schemes, the projects ensure the construction of RCC pillars, embankment repairs, anti-erosion measures and new pumping stations in the vulnerable areas.

A letter has been sent to the chief engineer and department heads, directing them to complete all works on a war footing....