Patna : Authorities in Patna have stepped up preparations to prevent water-logging during the upcoming monsoon season, with a high-level meeting chaired by Patna Divisional Commissioner Mayank Warwade on Thursday emphasising coordinated action, infrastructure checks and strict accountability.
Speaking to officials at the Commissioner’s Office, Warwade described efficient drainage as a “top priority” for the administration and warned that any disruption to daily life caused by heavy rainfall would be considered a failure of planning and execution.
The commissioner directed teams to inspect all major and minor drains across the city, including nine key drainage routes. He also called for drone-based surveys of large drains to monitor cleaning work and spot encroachments or blockages in real-time.
“All officers must remain alert, ready and committed,” Warwade said. “A lack of coordination and communication between departments is unacceptable at this stage. Every agency must work in unison and with urgency.”
Government agencies such as Patna Municipal Corporation, BUIDCo, Patna Metro Rail Corporation, Road construction department and Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam Limited Were instructed Bridge to complete their pre-monsoon preparations by 31 May. Warwade stressed that any ongoing work involving road digging must also be concluded before this deadline. After this date, no fresh road excavation will be allowed, in line with the city’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Failure to comply with SOPs or to maintain functional drainage infrastructure will be treated as criminal negligence, the commissioner warned, adding that legal action could follow.
Officials were instructed to ensure that all Drainage Pumping Stations (DPS) are operational, with no mechanical or electrical faults. Ensuring uninterrupted power supply to these stations was also stressed, alongside the need for spare parts, mobile repair units, and engineer supervision. Manholes are to be raised during road construction and cleaned regularly, while damaged drains must be repaired and cleared of any encroachments.
Warwade directed sub-divisional officers to conduct field inspections regularly, especially in flood-prone areas, and maintain daily coordination with municipal authorities. “Respond immediately as per the situation,” he instructed, adding that public inconvenience must be minimised at all costs.
The meeting reviewed both short- and long-term projects related to drainage and water management, including the operational status of DPS units, sump houses, and the ongoing desilting of drains and catchpits. Key drainage routes such as the Badshahi, Ashiana-Digha, Nandlal Chhapra, and Bakar drains were also assessed.
The commissioner concluded the session by reiterating that any dereliction of duty or delay would not be tolerated as the city braces for another intense monsoon season.
