Patna: As temperatures soar in the city, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched an extensive campaign to provide free cold drinking water across Patna. Over 480 locations—ranging from major public spaces like Gandhi Maidan, Boring Road Square, and the Station area to 75 municipal wards—are now equipped with drinking water facilities.This summer initiative, aimed at easing public distress during the heatwave, has been especially beneficial to working women, students attending coaching centres, rickshaw drivers, and daily commuters. According to PMC officials, water is regularly refilled with cold water directly sourced from the corporation’s own treatment plant.Ten key public areas have been covered by Nigam Neer water tankers, and a special effort is being made at 20 bus stops where women from the Swachhangini team are stationed to distribute water to passers-by. Notable locations benefiting from this service include the Bihar Intercouncil, GPO, Income Tax Vidyut Bhawan, Gardner Hospital, Patna Zoo, and Gandhi Maidan.In addition to the services for the general public, arrangements have also been made for PMC employees. To ensure their well-being during peak heat hours, working hours have been revised to run from 5 am to 12 noon. Furthermore, 200 water jars, procured last year, are being distributed across attendance points in various wards to keep staff hydrated.
