Patna Commissioner Leads Comprehensive Review for 2026 Monsoon Preparedness
Patna divisional commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar chaired a crucial review meeting on Friday to coordinate and accelerate preparations for the upcoming 2026 monsoon season. The high-level meeting focused on ensuring effective drainage across the entire city during heavy rainfall, with Parashar emphasizing the government's zero-tolerance policy toward waterlogging.
Inspection of Drainage Infrastructure and Coordination Mandate
Commissioner Parashar issued directives for teams to conduct thorough inspections of nine major drains as well as all smaller channels throughout Patna. The objective is to identify and address any blockages, encroachments, or structural issues that could impede water flow. He stressed the need for close coordination among multiple agencies, specifically instructing officials from the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (Buidco), and the district administration to work in unison.
Operational Readiness of Pumping Stations and Power Supply
Parashar ordered that all 56 permanent and 35 temporary drainage pumping stations must remain fully operational throughout the monsoon period. These stations collectively house 255 pumps distributed across five key zones:
- Azimabad Zone: 33 pumps
- Kankarbagh Zone: 46 pumps
- Bankipur Zone: 35 pumps
- Patliputra Zone: 36 pumps
- Nutan Rajdhani Zone: 105 pumps
To ensure uninterrupted operation, the commissioner directed the road construction department and electricity officials to provide dedicated power feeders and deploy mobile repair units for rapid response to any electrical failures.
Staffing, Equipment Deployment, and Administrative Divisions
Parashar mandated biometric attendance for all critical personnel, including pump operators, cleaners, electricians, and fitters, to guarantee round-the-clock staffing across three shifts. Buidco officials informed the meeting that 108 trolley-mounted pump sets and 39 new generator sets will be strategically deployed during the monsoon to enhance drainage capacity.
The administration has organized Patna into three independent divisions—east, central, and west—for streamlined management of mechanical and construction work. Significant progress is already underway on 22 new pumping stations and the paving of major drains to improve water conveyance.
Review of Specific Drains and Monitoring Mechanisms
During the meeting, Parashar reviewed the current status of several critical drains, including:
- Badshahi Drain
- Serpentine Drain
- Ashiana–Digha Drain
- Nandlal Chhapra Drain
- Bakerganj Drain
- Saidpur Drain
- Mandiri Drain
- Brahotar Drain
Patna district magistrate Thiyagarajan S M announced that senior officers will lead field teams to verify the cleaning of manholes and catchpits, ensuring no oversight in maintenance. PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena reported that desilting work began in January and is being continuously monitored through a dedicated control room linked to the Patna Smart City command centre. This system utilizes CCTV, e-surveillance, and sensors to track water levels and flow in real time, enabling proactive management.
Conclusion and Broader Coordination
The meeting concluded with clear directions to ensure seamless coordination with additional stakeholders, including Metro authorities, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and local engineers. This collaborative approach aims to maintain an uninterrupted and efficient drainage network across Patna, mitigating the risk of waterlogging during the 2026 monsoon and beyond.
