Patna: Continuous heavy rainfall brought parts of Patna to a standstill on Friday, but the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) said drainage operations were being carried out “on a war footing” to prevent flooding in the capital.
Officials said most waterlogged areas were cleared within a few hours despite the intensity of the downpour. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) were seen touring the city, including at the Vidhan Sabha, Rajendra Nagar, Mithapur, Sabzibagh, Digha, Gandhi Maidan, Patna City and near the airport, to monitor drainage efforts.
Nineteen teams have been deployed in shifts to ensure round-the-clock operations, with sump houses monitored continuously through CCTV and walkie-talkies. Municipal Commissioner and BUIDCO Managing Director, Animesh Kumar Parashar, has instructed teams to remain vigilant even at night.
Across the city, 364 pumps — 265 electric and 99 diesel — have been deployed, including 83 at temporary drainage pumping stations. Large and flood-prone sites such as Khanpur, Barmukta and Digha Canal alone account for 32 trolley-mounted pumps.
Zone-wise capacity has also been bolstered, with Nutan Rajdhani Zone hosting the highest number, 26 drainage pumping stations with 105 pumps. Other zones, including Kankarbagh, Bankipur, Patliputra and Azimabad, have also seen additional support.
Officials said both permanent and temporary drainage pumping stations (DPS) are operating simultaneously, with 35 temporary units established in areas prone to high waterlogging, stretching from Patna to Danapur.
Authorities urged residents to report any waterlogging issues via the civic helpline 155304, assuring that complaints would be resolved within hours. “Adequate alternative arrangements are in place,” a civic spokesperson said, adding that 19 QRTs remain active day and night.
