Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified precautionary measures along the Ganga as the river’s water level continues to rise, with a focus on public safety, waterlogging prevention, drainage and sanitation in vulnerable areas.
The civic body is continuously monitoring areas along the river for possible water ingress, seepage and waterlogging. Resources have also been kept ready so that drainage operations can be launched immediately if required.
Following the closure of all sluice gates by the district administration, the municipal corporation has blocked drains at vulnerable locations along the Ganga to prevent river water from entering the city through the drainage network.
Pump sets are also being arranged at locations where seepage or waterlogging may occur. Field teams are regularly assessing vulnerable areas and sending updates to the control room.
Barricading At Kangan Ghat
The PMC has tightened safety arrangements at major ghats to restrict movement towards areas that could pose a risk.
On Friday, barricading was installed at Kangan Ghat to control public movement. After some people attempted to cross the barricading and approach the river, the access route towards the ghat was blocked with the help of a heavy vehicle.
The civic body is also conducting regular public announcements at major ghats, urging people not to visit the riverfront because of the rising water level and strong current.
Seepage Sites Under Continuous Monitoring
Rising Ganga levels have resulted in water seepage at several locations close to the ghats.
Municipal field teams are keeping these sites under continuous observation. Information about the condition of vulnerable locations, including photographs and videos, is being regularly sent to the control room in real time.
This monitoring is intended to help officials respond quickly if the situation worsens.
Pump Sets Kept On Standby
Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena has directed the concerned executive officers to keep necessary pump sets ready for immediate deployment.
Officials and field teams have also been instructed to maintain continuous surveillance in vulnerable areas and initiate drainage operations promptly whenever required.
The civic body is keeping its machinery and resources prepared to deal with possible waterlogging in different parts of the city in the event of heavy rainfall or a further rise in the Ganga’s water level.
Special Sanitation Measures For Flood-Affected Families
The PMC has also made special sanitation and civic arrangements for flood-affected and displaced residents.
At the Minar Ghat community kitchen and around the tents of displaced people at Bind Toli, additional sanitation measures have been put in place.
One Lou Cafe and one Pink Toilet have been arranged at each of the two locations for residents and displaced families.
To maintain sanitation throughout the day, five sanitation workers have been deployed in each of three shifts at both locations.
Anti-larval spraying is being carried out daily to control mosquito breeding. Lime and bleaching powder are also being regularly applied to reduce the risk of infection and waterborne diseases.
Fogging is being conducted in vulnerable areas as part of mosquito-control measures.
Entry Restricted At Submerged Ghats
Several ghats have already been affected by the rising water level. Bhadra Ghat and Mahavir Ghat are completely submerged, and public access to these locations has been prohibited.
At some other ghats, including Kadam Ghat, Narkat Ghat, Raja Ghat, Colonel Ghat and Chitragupt Ghat, some steps remain above water.
The civic body said people have nevertheless been visiting these locations to walk around, take photographs or observe the rising river level.
Regular public announcements are therefore being made at these ghats, with the PMC urging residents to avoid visiting the riverfront because of the strong current and rising water.
Civic Body Maintains Flood Preparedness
The Patna Municipal Corporation is maintaining continuous surveillance of the Ganga’s water level and coordinating with relevant departments and field teams.
The civic body said its priority is to remain prepared for possible developments, protect residents in vulnerable areas and ensure rapid response if an emergency situation arises.
