LUCKNOW, Aug. 3 -- Lucknow's third rank in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 was washed away by the rainwater on Saturday evening, as heavy rainfall exposed the crumbling drainage infrastructure and poor monsoon preparedness of the civic authorities. Despite securing the third spot among the cleanest cities in the million-plus population category on July 17, the city failed to stand the test of heavy rainfall with roads and residential blocks getting water-logged. Functioning of drains in residential or residential cum commercial pockets areas of the state capital have a direct connection with the cleanliness ranking in the Swachh Survekshan. LMC officials explained that cleaning of drains plays a crucial role in improving the city's rank in the state capital under the Swachh Survekshan. He added that such facilities are an integral part of the survey parameters, which include several components evaluated from door-to-door waste collection, road sweeping, drain cleaning and tapping of major drains. Each category consists of 100 marks. Saturday's showers left major residential and commercial areas submerged, particularly in, including Vibhuti Khand, Viram Khand, Vinamra Khand, and Gomti Nagar Extension. Flooded roads, stalled two wheelers and four wheeler vehicles, and overflowing drains were reported across Gomti Nagar and trans-Gomti regions, turning the daily commute into a nightmare. Heavy water-logging was witnessed on the road leading from Urdu Academy towards Mantri Awas in Vibhuti Khand. At some points water-logging even caused car breakdowns. The situation raised questions about the Rs 15 crore allocated by Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) for drain cleaning this year. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar, who earlier declared water-logging as a priority issue after taking charge, now faces criticism for the civic body's failure to deliver on its commitments....