LUCKNOW, Aug. 13 -- Long traffic snarls caused by pothole-filled roads have triggered a week-long repair initiative in the state capital, with officials moving to make key stretches safer for commuters. Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob on Tuesday issued a written order to the public works department (Central Zone) to identify and repair damaged stretches within a week to ensure smooth traffic and prevent accidents. Teams at the junior engineer level will survey all major roads and fill potholes immediately, with resurfacing and special repairs to follow after the rainy season. This monsoon, many roads in the city have developed water-filled potholes, resulting in an increase in accidents, particularly involving two-wheelers and battery-operated rickshaws. Since June 1, Lucknow has received 392.9 mm of rain against the normal 387.9 mm, a surplus of 1%, the meteorological department said. Waterlogged and dug-up stretches have caused kilometres-long traffic jams. The upper surface has washed away in parts of Lohia Path, Vibhuti Khand, Kisan Bazar, Cinepolis, Indira Nagar and Aliganj. Persistent rains have narrowed roads, with potholes, cave-ins, dust and dumped waste adding to commuters' woes. Koustav and Gaurav, brothers visiting from Mumbai, said, "Every monsoon, it's the same old story. Roads vanish, water stays for hours, and digging makes it worse." Indira and Amitava Saha from West Bengal added, "In Lucknow, the only thing that arrives on time during monsoon is the mess." Satyendra Nath, executive engineer in charge of Lohia Path, said, "Repairs have begun at several locations and within two to three days, Lohia Path and other PWD roads will be restored."...