Gaya/Patna: Pre-monsoon downpour lashed Gaya on Monday, bringing the city to a standstill and revealing the fragile state of its civic infrastructure. Streets across several neighbourhoods, including AP Colony, Delha, Manpur, Chowk, Chandchaura, Madanpur, Shahmeetkya, Nutan Nagar, and New Area, were submerged in water ranging from two to three feet, leaving pedestrians stranded and vehicles damaged.
Despite prior claims of drain cleaning, silt was left unremoved on roadsides, only to be washed back into the drains by the rainfall. The flooding did not spare homes, with water entering several residences. “If this is the situation in Jyeshtha, what will happen in Bhado?” said Ramadhar Singh, a resident visiting from Sasaram, reflecting widespread frustration.
Ironically, a meeting was underway at the Municipal Corporation office to discuss flood prevention and sanitation improvements when the downpour began. As rainwater inundated the premises—rising up to two feet—concerned expressions spread among officials, engineers and councillors. Questions were raised to the assistant engineer about the drainage failure, but explanations about backflow from a lower drain failed to satisfy the gathering.
In response to the crisis, a decision was made to remove some shops from the congested Mirza Ghalib Market area to facilitate drain cleaning. The members present unanimously agreed on the plan.
Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College & Hospital (ANMMCH) also struggled under the pressure, with patients and staff navigating waterlogged corridors. Access to the emergency ward, ward twelve, and even the superintendent’s office became difficult.
