Patna: Patna divisional commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar has directed officials across multiple departments to adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach towards waterlogging in Patna ahead of the monsoon season, warning of strict action in cases of negligence or delays.
The instructions were issued during a high-level review meeting held at the commissioner’s office to assess preparedness for excessive rainfall and urban flooding.
The commissioner said ensuring a smooth and efficient drainage system during heavy rainfall remained the government’s top priority and instructed all departments to remain alert and fully prepared.
Officials Told To Act On IMD Alerts
Parashar directed officials to formulate strategies based on advance weather alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department.
He said departments and field officials must function in a coordinated and systematic manner during the upcoming monsoon season to ensure public life remains unaffected during heavy rain.
The commissioner stressed the need for close coordination among:
- Road Construction Department Bihar
- Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation
- Patna Municipal Corporation
- National Highways Authority of India
- metro authorities
- electricity agencies
- district administration officials
Officials were also instructed to keep the “Monsoon 2026” WhatsApp coordination group active for rapid information sharing.
No Road Cutting Without Permission
The commissioner ordered that no agency — including electricity utilities, metro authorities, GAIL, BSNL, Namami Gange and BUIDCO — should undertake road-cutting work without permission from the Road Construction Department.
He said:
- any necessary excavation work must receive formal NOC approval
- roads must be restored immediately after completion of work
All currently dug-up roads have been ordered to be restored by May 30.
From June 1 onwards, the district administration will begin inspections to verify compliance.
Parashar warned that:
- FIRs would be lodged against agencies violating the orders
- disciplinary action would be initiated against responsible engineers and officials
Drain Cleaning And Encroachment Removal Ordered
The commissioner instructed the Patna Municipal Corporation to intensify drain cleaning and strengthen its disaster management mechanism.
Officials were directed to:
- clean all major drains
- conduct night inspections
- inspect all nine major city drains
- verify desilting of smaller drains and manholes
Ward-wise inspections of the entire drainage network and pumping infrastructure will also be conducted.
Parashar said:
“Under no circumstances should any drain be encroached upon.”
He said strict action would be taken against any negligence related to drain cleaning or encroachment removal.
DPS Pumps Must Remain Fully Functional
The commissioner identified sudden heavy rainfall within short periods as one of the main causes of urban flooding in Patna.
He directed authorities to ensure that all Drainage Pumping Stations (DPS) operated at full capacity during rainfall events.
Officials were instructed to ensure:
- uninterrupted electricity supply to all DPS units
- no mechanical or electrical failures
- immediate repair of pumps, motors and transformers
- adequate backup power arrangements
- availability of spare parts at all stations
Dedicated and alternative power feeders are also to be activated to guarantee 24×7 electricity supply during emergencies.
Storm Response Delays Criticised
Parashar criticised delays in response during a recent storm, particularly by the Forest Department, and warned that such lapses would not be tolerated in future.
He instructed all departments to minimise response time during storms, high winds and heavy rainfall.
The commissioner further directed:
- officials to remain physically present in their jurisdictions once rainfall begins
- mobile repair teams to remain on standby
- engineers to regularly supervise pumping station operations
Authorities said all monsoon preparedness measures must be completed within the prescribed timeline before the onset of heavy rains.
