Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has stepped up its review of monsoon preparedness, sanitation arrangements and infrastructure projects across the city, with senior officials ordering disciplinary action against civic staff following the discovery of deficiencies in drain-cleaning work.
Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena, accompanied by Digha MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, conducted inspections across several locations in the Patliputra and Nutan Rajdhani circles on Thursday to assess the status of drainage and civic infrastructure ahead of the monsoon season.
Poor Drain Cleaning Draws Action
During the inspection, officials reviewed ongoing construction and cleaning work on the Rajiv Nagar and Anandpuri drains.
The inspection team expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of drain desilting near Baba Chowk, where large quantities of water hyacinth, garbage and accumulated debris were found obstructing the drainage channel. Officials also noted shortcomings in the quality of desilting work being carried out near Ganesh Path.
Taking serious note of the lapses, the Municipal Commissioner directed that show-cause notices be issued to the City Manager and the Chief Sanitation Inspector of the Patliputra zone. He also ordered the withholding of their salaries pending further action.
Meena said negligence in pre-monsoon drain cleaning and maintenance of the drainage network would not be tolerated.
Road Demand Raised In Saristabad
The inspection team later visited the Saristabad area near 70 Feet Road in the Nutan Rajdhani zone, where residents raised concerns about the lack of a proper road connecting Panch Mandir and Kacchi Talab.
Local residents told officials that the absence of a paved road creates difficulties for daily commuters and affects accessibility within the area.
Following the interaction, the Municipal Commissioner directed officials to prepare a proposal and initiate steps for the construction of the road at the earliest.
Concerns Over Blocked Drainage Channels
Residents also informed officials that an older drainage channel connecting the locality to the Bypass box drain had become obstructed over time due to construction activity and encroachments.
According to residents, the blockage has reduced the area’s drainage capacity and increased the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
In response, the Municipal Commissioner instructed officials to identify and restore old drains wherever feasible and undertake cleaning operations to improve water flow.
He also ordered the removal of encroachments from the box drain near Panch Mandir to strengthen the drainage network before the onset of the monsoon.
Focus On Time-Bound Preparations
Officials said the municipal administration is working to complete all pre-monsoon preparations within a fixed timeline, in coordination with elected representatives and local communities.
The Commissioner directed officials to maintain regular monitoring of sanitation, drainage and infrastructure projects and ensure prompt redressal of public complaints.
The inspection forms part of a broader citywide effort to improve drainage infrastructure and minimise the risk of urban flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
