Archive · 14 Sep 2026
UP Jal Nigam Engineer Suspended After Varanasi Waterlogging, Inquiry Ordered
Water collected in several low-lying parts of Varanasi after heavy rain.
The government said some pumps were not running when they were needed.
It also said officials had not prepared a plan to stop river water from flowing backward.
Executive Engineer Pawan Kumar Gupta was suspended because of the alleged negligence.
A formal investigation will now examine what happened.
The investigation officer will be the Chief Engineer (Procurement) of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban).
Minister A.K. Sharma visited the affected areas and demanded quick drainage work.
Gupta has been attached to the Kanpur regional office during his suspension.
Executive Engineer Pawan Kumar Gupta was suspended over alleged negligence linked to Varanasi waterlogging.
A departmental inquiry was initiated under Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1999.
Officials found that no required assessment or action plan had been prepared for gates or barriers at the Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station.
Pumps at the Chaukaghat station and Goithaha STP were reportedly shut on September 3 and 4 during heavy rainfall.
Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma inspected affected areas on September 12 and 13 and ordered urgent drainage measures.
- Who
- Executive Engineer Pawan Kumar Gupta was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government; Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma inspected the affected areas.
- What
- Gupta was suspended and a departmental inquiry was ordered over alleged negligence connected to waterlogging.
- When
- The action was reported on September 14; the pumps were shut on September 3 and 4, and inspections took place on September 12 and 13.
- Where
- The waterlogging occurred in Varanasi, including areas served by the Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station and Goithaha STP.
- Why
- The preliminary inquiry cited the absence of a river-backflow prevention plan, failure to follow senior officials' directions, and non-operation of pumps during heavy rainfall.
- Suspended official
- Pawan Kumar Gupta, Executive Engineer, Construction Division (Civil/Mechanical), Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban)
- Inquiry basis
- Rule 7 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999
- Inquiry officer
- Chief Engineer (Procurement), Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), Lucknow
- Affected facility
- Chaukaghat Sewage Pumping Station
- Other facility
- Goithaha Sewage Treatment Plant
- Reported pump shutdown
- September 3 and 4
- Suspension attachment
- Office of the Chief Engineer (Kanpur Region), Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), Kanpur