Patna: The Patna Municipal Commissioner chaired a comprehensive review meeting focused on monsoon preparedness, drainage management, sanitation systems, and revenue collection strategies across the city.
The meeting was convened ahead of the monsoon season to ensure coordinated action among municipal units and field-level staff to prevent waterlogging and related civic disruptions.
Focus on Drainage and Sanitation Preparedness
Officials were directed to strengthen drainage systems and ensure continuous cleanliness across wards. Sanitation inspectors were instructed to remain active in their jurisdictions and maintain regular cleaning of large drains, neighbourhood drains, and catch pits.
The Municipal Commissioner stressed timely installation of pump sets in waterlogging-prone areas and construction of temporary drains where required. Field teams were asked to work in coordination to ensure uninterrupted drainage flow during heavy rainfall.
Inspection of Infrastructure and Road Restoration Sites
Special instructions were issued to inspect newly constructed drains, slabs, and catch pits, particularly in areas where road restoration work has recently been completed.
Officials were asked to verify water flow in new drainage structures and repair damaged drain covers caused during construction or desilting activities. Water inlets and outlets were also included under routine inspection protocols.
Safety Protocols for Field Staff
The Municipal Commissioner directed that all sanitation workers and officials engaged in monsoon-related duties must use safety gear, including raincoats and gumboots. Field operations were to be carried out strictly in compliance with safety standards.
Action Against Damage to Public Infrastructure
The meeting also emphasised strict action against those obstructing drainage systems or damaging public property. Officials were instructed to identify violators and initiate legal action, including lodging FIRs against individuals found blocking manholes or drains.
Monitoring of Field Compliance
Regular field inspections by municipal officials were reviewed, with instructions to ensure full compliance with directives issued during site visits. Officials were asked to submit timely reports to the headquarters.
The Commissioner also cautioned employees against engaging in unethical practices under pressure and advised them to report such incidents to senior authorities immediately.
Preventive Measures for Flood-Prone Areas
Attention was drawn to flood-prone locations, including Badshahi Nala, where additional sandbags were directed to be placed following previous instances of overflow affecting Ward-56.
Coordinated efforts with BUIDCO were also discussed, including deployment of pump sets and conduct of mock drills to ensure operational readiness during emergencies.
Digitisation and Asset Monitoring
The Corporation also reviewed ongoing GIS mapping and geo-tagging of municipal assets, including buildings, parks, plots, and public utilities. Field-level data collection was emphasised as critical for strengthening the digital database and preventing encroachments.
Property Tax Awareness Drive
To improve revenue collection, officials were directed to intensify outreach campaigns for property tax compliance. Door-to-door awareness efforts were suggested to encourage timely payments and strengthen municipal finances.
The meeting was attended by executive officers, sanitation officers, city managers, chief sanitation inspectors, and sanitation inspectors across all zones. The Commissioner called for improved coordination and swift execution of all monsoon-related preparedness measures.
