Patna authorities have escalated preparations ahead of the monsoon season, focusing on mitigating waterlogging and ensuring swift emergency responses to heavy rainfall. The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco) managing director (MD) Animesh Kumar Parashar instructed officials to activate field teams immediately upon receiving weather alerts from the India Meteorological Department, including yellow, orange, and red alerts. He emphasized the implementation of a tier-based action plan to enable rapid response and effective management of waterlogging situations.
Officials Directed to Maintain High Vigilance
Patna district magistrate Thyagarajan SM stated that all officials would work with full preparedness and commitment. He noted that inspections have already been conducted to assess water-prone areas and stressed that waterlogging-related challenges must be addressed with seriousness and sensitivity.
Patna Municipal Corporation commissioner Yashpal Meena instructed all municipal teams to remain on 24x7 alert and ensure prompt action under all circumstances. He also directed officials to conduct field inspections during the pre-monsoon period and maintain close coordination with all concerned departments.
Technical Measures and Accountability
As part of the preparedness measures, engineers from Buidco and the municipal corporation will determine water-level thresholds for pumps to prevent excessive accumulation of rainwater. Officials have been warned that strict action would be taken against responsible officers or agencies if pumps fail to operate when required, Parashar said.
Authorities have also ordered adequate stockpiling of sandbags in every administrative zone and directed that pumps be pre-positioned at locations identified as vulnerable to waterlogging. At sensitive sites, machinery will continue operating during night shifts, with staff and personnel stationed within wards to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Continuous monitoring and maintenance of equipment and stock will be carried out, with officers assigned zone-wise responsibilities for supervision, the Buidco MD said. He further directed that anyone found damaging public property or infrastructure would be identified and prosecuted through the registration of FIRs.
Coordinated Implementation
Senior officials from the municipal corporation, Buidco, and other concerned departments have been tasked with ensuring coordinated implementation of the monsoon preparedness plan across the city. These measures aim to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety during the rainy season.
