Patna: The Patna Divisional Commissioner, Animesh Kumar Parashar, has directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to waterlogging and ensure flawless arrangements ahead of the 2026 monsoon. Speaking at a high-level meeting on Friday, he said the government’s top priority was to guarantee smooth drainage and prevent disruption to public life during heavy rainfall.
Officials were instructed to prepare strategies based on forecasts from the India Meteorological Department and to work in a planned and coordinated manner. Parashar emphasised inter-departmental coordination among agencies including the municipal corporation, road and bridge construction departments, BUDCO, the electricity department, metro authorities, the National Highways Authority of India and the district administration. He also asked officials to keep the “Monsoon 2026” WhatsApp group active to ensure rapid information sharing.
Highlighting that intense rainfall over short periods is a major cause of urban flooding, the commissioner ordered all drainage pumping stations to remain fully operational, with no mechanical or electrical faults. He directed that pumps, motors and transformers be repaired and upgraded where necessary, and that uninterrupted power supply be ensured through dedicated and alternative feeders. Encroachments on drains must be removed, damaged drains repaired and regular cleaning of manholes and catch pits verified through joint inspections.
The meeting reviewed progress on both short-term and long-term flood mitigation measures, including the cleaning of drains, desilting operations, pumping station capacity and power supply arrangements. Authorities discussed the status of major drains such as Badshahi, Serpentine, Ashiana–Digha, Nandalal Chhapra, Bakarganj, Saidpur, Mandiri and Brahottar, and announced team-based inspections of all major and minor drains, including nine key city drains, to ensure uninterrupted water flow.
BUDCO officials reported that 56 permanent and 35 temporary drainage pumping stations are being operated, supported by trolley-mounted pumps and newly installed diesel generator sets. Construction of 22 new pumping stations is underway as part of long-term drainage solutions, while major drains are being concreted and sump houses cleaned. Quick Response Teams have been deployed across 19 municipal zones, and a 24/7 control room, toll-free helpline and chatbot system are in place to address citizen complaints during the monsoon.
Animesh Parashar said the entire administrative machinery would remain on high alert to prevent inconvenience to residents, stressing that timely inspections, strict adherence to standard operating procedures and coordinated action across departments would be critical to safeguarding the city during the upcoming monsoon season.
