Zero tolerance for waterlogging as Patna steps up monsoon preparations

Patna: Patna divisional commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar on Friday chaired a review meeting to coordinate preparations for the 2026 monsoon, asking officials to ensure effective drainage during rainfall across the city. Emphasising the govt’s zero-tolerance policy on waterlogging, he asked teams to inspect nine major drains as well as all smaller channels to identify blockages and encroachments.Parashar directed officials of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (Buidco) and the district administration to work in close coordination. He ordered that all 56 permanent and 35 temporary drainage pumping stations remain fully operational throughout the monsoon. These stations collectively house 255 pumps across Azimabad, Kankarbagh, Bankipur, Patliputra and Nutan Rajdhani zones.Providing a zone-wise breakup, officials said Azimabad has 33 pumps, Kankarbagh 46, Bankipur 35, Patliputra 36 and Nutan Rajdhani 105. The commissioner asked the road construction department and electricity officials to ensure dedicated power feeders and mobile repair units. He also mandated biometric attendance for pump operators, cleaners, electricians and fitters to guarantee round-the-clock staffing in three shifts.Buidco officials informed the meeting that 108 trolley-mounted pump sets and 39 new generator sets will be deployed during the monsoon. The administration has divided Patna into three independent divisions — east, central and west — for managing mechanical and construction work. Progress is underway on 22 new pumping stations and the paving of major drains.Parashar reviewed the status of the Badshahi, Serpentine, Ashiana–Digha, Nandlal Chhapra, Bakerganj, Saidpur, Mandiri and Brahotar drains.Patna district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M said senior officers would lead field teams to verify the cleaning of manholes and catchpits. PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena said desilting work began in January and is being monitored through a control room linked to the Patna Smart City command centre, using CCTV, e-surveillance and sensors to track water levels and flow in real time.The meeting concluded with directions to ensure coordination with Metro authorities, NHAI and local engineers to maintain an uninterrupted drainage network.