Patna: In a determined bid to eliminate the perennial hazard of open or damaged manholes ahead of the monsoon, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched Open Manhole Free (OMF) 2.0—a city-wide campaign aimed at covering every uncovered or broken manhole across all 75 wards.
Under the initiative, 75 dedicated teams—one for each ward—have been formed, comprising engineers and municipal staff, to carry out a comprehensive survey and ensure all manholes are safely sealed. The campaign is part of PMC’s broader pre-monsoon strategy to minimise public inconvenience and prevent accidents during the rainy season.
Each of the city’s six zones will be supervised by executive engineers, while survey teams have been tasked with inspecting manholes and ensuring their proper maintenance. The campaign also mandates a joint certification—signed by the respective ward councillor and engineer—confirming the area’s “open manhole free” status.
“This is a renewed push to ensure no resident has to navigate the monsoon with the fear of open manholes. It’s not just a repair mission—it’s a commitment to safety and accountability,” said a senior PMC official.
The initiative recalls PMC’s earlier efforts under the Mera Shahar Meri Zimmedari campaign, during which the Swachh Parikrama and a previous version of the OMF programme led to the covering of most previously identified open manholes.
To strengthen monitoring, 75 senior officers have been deployed—one per ward—to oversee implementation and report directly to the Municipal Commissioner. Their mandate: ensure swift coordination between ground workers and engineers so that no open manhole goes unnoticed or unrepaired.
In addition, 20 extra sanitation workers have been assigned to each ward for a final “mop-up round”—a supplementary cleaning and inspection phase to seal any gaps left behind.
Residents have also been invited to play a proactive role in the campaign. Citizens spotting open manholes can report them by dialling PMC’s helpline number: 155304.
As Patna prepares for the rains, the civic body is banking on teamwork, technology, and public vigilance to make the city not just cleaner—but safer.
