Bihta/Patna: The Bihar government’s Urban Development and Housing Department has approved water supply and sewerage projects worth around Rs 830 crore for urban local bodies including Hajipur, Khagaria, Sitamarhi and Samastipur under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. However, residents and local stakeholders in Bihta Municipal Council say their town continues to face recurring waterlogging and inadequate drainage infrastructure, raising questions about the status of similar development plans for the area.
According to a public statement issued from Bihta, residents have questioned why essential civic infrastructure has not kept pace with the municipal taxes collected from households. They allege that despite the regular collection of holding tax, the Municipal Council frequently cites a shortage of funds when concerns over drainage, sewerage and related civic works are raised.
What Residents Say Is Happening
The statement highlights several locations where residents say waterlogging has become a recurring problem during the monsoon.
Among the areas identified is Gultera Bazaar Road, where flooding is reported every year. Similar concerns have been raised about the stretch in front of Mahadev Sthan, which residents say remains waterlogged during the rainy season.
Residents also allege that drains along Post Office Road have not been properly linked to a main drainage channel, limiting their effectiveness during heavy rainfall.
Another area frequently affected, according to the statement, is the vicinity of the Bihta railway crossing, where water accumulation is said to disrupt movement during the monsoon.
More recently, the service road beneath the Bihta flyover reportedly became completely submerged following rainfall. The statement also claims that a nearby canal has remained blocked for several years, contributing to poor drainage in the area.
Concerns Over Incomplete Sewerage Network
Beyond seasonal flooding, residents have also questioned the progress of sewerage infrastructure.
According to the statement, household sewer connections have not been linked to neighbourhood sewer pipelines, while neighbourhood pipelines themselves have yet to be connected to the Municipal Council’s main drainage network. It further alleges that no permanent system has been developed for the disposal of rainwater.
Residents argue that even moderate rainfall is sufficient to flood roads, affecting transport, commercial activity and access to public spaces. They also say prolonged waterlogging increases sanitation concerns and the risk of waterborne diseases.
Questions Raised Over Development Planning
The statement calls on the Urban Development and Housing Department and the Bihta Municipal Council to clarify whether any Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared or submitted for Bihta under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme or any other urban development programme.
It also seeks information on the current status of any such proposal, or, if none has been submitted, who is responsible for the delay.
In addition, residents have asked how revenue generated through holding tax is being utilised and whether the Municipal Council has prepared a time-bound plan to establish a permanent drainage and sewerage system.
Why It Matters
Bihta has witnessed rapid residential and commercial growth in recent years, increasing demand for reliable urban infrastructure. Drainage and sewerage systems are considered essential public services, particularly during the monsoon when waterlogging can affect transport, businesses and public health.
While the state government has announced significant investment in urban water and sewerage projects elsewhere in Bihar, residents say they expect Bihta to receive similar attention to address longstanding infrastructure gaps.
What’s Next
The public statement urges the Bihar government, the Urban Development and Housing Department, and the Bihta Municipal Council to prioritise drainage and sewerage improvements in the town.
At the time of writing, no response from the Urban Development and Housing Department or the Bihta Municipal Council addressing the specific concerns raised in the statement had been made available. Any official clarification on the status of proposed projects or future infrastructure plans is expected to provide greater clarity for residents ahead of the ongoing monsoon season
