Gopalganj/Patna: Torrential rain over the past several hours exposed major weaknesses in the drainage system of Gopalganj district , leaving roads submerged, neighbourhoods flooded and public services severely disrupted.
What began as welcome rainfall quickly turned into a crisis for residents, as waterlogging spread across the town’s main roads and residential lanes. Daily life was thrown into disarray, with markets affected, traffic stalled and commuters struggling to move through inundated streets.
The situation was particularly severe at the district’s main healthcare facility, Sadar Hospital, where knee-deep water accumulated inside the premises. Access routes to the emergency ward too got flooded, causing serious difficulties for patients and their families.
Relatives accompanying patients reportedly had to face challenges pushing stretchers and wheelchairs through standing water. Concerns also grew over sanitation and the risk of infection, as dirty water got accumulated in and around the hospital grounds.
Residents said the crisis has intensified frustration over what they describe as chronic civic neglect. Many pointed to annual claims that drains are cleaned ahead of the monsoon, arguing that conditions on the ground show little evidence of improvement.
“Every year, authorities say drains are cleaned before the monsoon, but nothing changes,” one local resident said.
Low-lying areas and narrow lanes across the town wrre among the worst affected. In several places, overflowing drains spilled dirty water on to roads, creating foul smells and unsanitary conditions.
Businesses were also badly affected, with water accumulating outside shops and disrupting trade. Schoolchildren and office workers faced delays, while vehicles were unable to pass through some streets.
The waterlogging situation arising on Saturday, has renewed scrutiny of public spending on development projects, with residents questioning why drainage infrastructure remains inadequate despite repeated investment claims.
Authorities were yet to issue a detailed statement on emergency measures or drainage clearance.
