Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has temporarily suspended construction work on the Rajiv Nagar drain project as a precautionary measure ahead of anticipated monsoon activity, officials said on Friday.
During a detailed inspection of the project site, the Municipal Commissioner directed that construction activities be halted from Friday night to prevent disruption to the drainage network during rainfall and to minimise inconvenience to residents.
Officials were instructed to immediately connect all branch drains in the project area to the main drain and ensure the smooth flow of water before the onset of heavy rain.
Focus On Drainage And Road Restoration
The Municipal Commissioner also directed the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUDCO) to expedite the repair of manholes and road stretches damaged during construction work.
Officials were told to ensure that restoration work is completed promptly so that traffic movement remains unaffected during the monsoon season.
The inspection formed part of a broader review of civic infrastructure and monsoon preparedness across several wards of the Bankipur Zone.
Development Works Reviewed Across Seven Wards
Accompanied by elected representatives and civic officials, the Municipal Commissioner conducted inspections in Wards 36, 38, 41, 42, 43, 47 and 48.
Ongoing water supply projects in the area were also reviewed, with officials reporting satisfactory progress.
During the visit, instructions were issued to remove a long-defunct pump house in Ward 36 to facilitate better utilisation of the available land.
Drain Cleaning Assessed
The inspection team also visited Bhatthi Road and the Saidpur Sump House to review operational arrangements and drainage preparedness.
A chamber near Premchand Golambar was opened to allow an on-site assessment of drain desilting work.
Officials reported that desilting and cleaning operations in the inspected section were functioning satisfactorily and that water flow through the drainage network remained normal.
Road Projects Must Be Completed By Monday
The Municipal Commissioner directed PMC engineers to complete all ongoing road-related works by Monday, warning that no extensions would be granted for excavation projects.
Officials said unfinished roadworks could worsen traffic congestion and create difficulties for residents during the monsoon season.
PMCH Waterlogging Concern Addressed
During the inspection, officials reviewed measures taken near the main gate of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), an area that has historically faced severe waterlogging during heavy rainfall.
The Municipal Corporation stated that a drain near the hospital entrance has now been connected to a drainage channel on the opposite side of the road.
Officials expressed confidence that the intervention would significantly reduce the risk of water accumulation around the hospital this year.
Officials Pulled Up Over Sanitation Issues
While reviewing the Saidpur drain, the Municipal Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of desilting work.
The presence of garbage and unsanitary conditions at several locations within the zone also drew criticism.
Officials directed that show-cause notices be issued to the Chief Sanitation Inspector, the City Manager and the Executive Officer concerned over the lapses.
Ward councillors Rajkapoor Sharma (Ward 36), Kiran Devi (Wards 41 and 42), Prabha Devi (Ward 45) and Santosh Kumar (Ward 47), along with senior civic officials, were present during the inspection.
The review comes as Patna’s civic authorities intensify efforts to improve drainage infrastructure and minimise the risk of urban flooding during the monsoon season.
