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Patna: Authorities have identified 33 vulnerable areas that could face serious waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon season—among them, high-profile locations such as the Bihar Assembly, Patna High Court, and even the airport.
The warning follows Friday’s brief yet intense rainfall, which exposed the city’s fragile drainage system. Several low-lying areas were waterlogged. In response, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), along with Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo), has released a list of locations likely to suffer water accumulation.
The identified hotspots span across six municipal zones: Pataliputra (6 locations), Nutan Rajdhani (5), Kankarbagh (5), Azimabad (5), Patna City (5), and Bankipur (5). These zones include residential colonies, major roads, and government offices—making the flood risk not just an inconvenience but a serious urban planning concern.
To monitor these vulnerable zones, the authorities have set up a temporary Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), equipped with 16 CCTV cameras for live surveillance. “The control room is staffed round the clock in three shifts to ensure continuous monitoring,” a PMC official said.
Rajendra Nagar, one of the affected areas during the recent showers, witnessed knee-deep water on main roads, disrupting traffic and daily life. With monsoon yet to arrive in full force, citizens fear a repeat—or worse—of previous years, when waterlogged streets led to days of disruption.
Municipal officials say alternative drainage and pumping arrangements are being put in place. “We are working on preventive steps, but we urge residents to remain cautious, especially during high-intensity rainfall,” said a senior official from BUIDCo.
Patna has long struggled with urban flooding, attributed to inadequate drainage, illegal constructions, and outdated infrastructure. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the city’s preparedness—or lack thereof—is likely to be tested again.
While the camera-based surveillance offers a proactive step, many believe that only a long-term drainage overhaul will bring lasting relief to the residents of Bihar’s capital.
