Ensuring an effective drainage system is the top priority of the government: Divisional Commissioner

Patna, Saturday, 4 July: (ABN) Patna Divisional Commissioner Mr. Maneesh Varma said that ensuring a smooth and robust drainage system in Patna during heavy rainfall is the top priority of the government. All officials must remain vigilant and proactive in this regard. He was addressing officials at a high-level meeting held at the Commissioner's office conference hall today. He emphasized the government's "zero tolerance" policy regarding waterlogging. Authorities must formulate strategies based on India's Meteorological Department's advance predictions and remain proactive. All departmental and regional office officials must work in an organized manner, keeping the monsoon season in mind.

The Divisional Commissioner said it is the responsibility of all officials to ensure that public life is not disrupted during heavy rainfall. To achieve this, strong coordination and meaningful communication must be ensured among all stakeholders, including the road construction, electricity, and bridge construction departments, as well as BUIDCO, Municipal Corporation, Metro, NHAI, and district administration. The Divisional Commissioner directed officials of these departments and agencies to complete pending drainage-related works promptly. He said he would review progress again and strict legal action would be taken against any official found guilty of negligence, laxity, or irregularity in complying with these instructions.

He also directed officials to keep the "Monsoon 2026" WhatsApp group active and ensure rapid exchange of information. It is also essential to prevent blockages and overflows in drains, keep drains free from encroachments, and repair any damaged drains. The Commissioner directed that all permanent and temporary drainage pumping stations (DPS) under BUDCO be kept operational at full capacity. Instructions were issued to complete the work of repairing and augmenting the capacity of all pumps, motors, and transformers immediately. Dedicated and alternate feeders were directed to be activated to ensure uninterrupted 24x7 power supply.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the District Magistrate, Municipal Commissioner, and BUIDCO authorities to ensure compliance with these standards. While directing officials, the Divisional Commissioner said that measures to prevent waterlogging must be taken according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). He emphasized that "there should be no encroachments on any drain" and directed the district administration to verify this through teams comprising officials from various departments. Additionally, he ordered an inspection of the cleaning and desilting of main drains, manholes, and catch pits.

The entire drainage network and pumping stations should be inspected ward-wise to ensure that there are no obstacles in the water flow. The Commissioner clarified that a "zero tolerance" policy is being adopted regarding drain cleaning and encroachments, and immediate action would be taken against any negligence. The Divisional Commissioner further directed that all instructions related to stormwater drainage in Patna be strictly complied with.

Special attention should be given to raising the height of manholes and regular cleaning during road construction, and elevating the platforms of pumps, motors, transformers, and panels installed at Drainage Pumping Stations (DPS). The Divisional Commissioner directed that a mobile repair team be kept available at all times for immediate repair of pumps, motors, transformers, and panels at DPS. Arrangements should be made for a dedicated power source to ensure uninterrupted power supply. All necessary spare parts should be stocked at each DPS. Regular monitoring of the situation should be ensured through the deputation of engineers.

The Divisional Commissioner directed that all necessary preparations be completed to prevent water accumulation. He directed Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) to regularly inspect the site and pay special attention to areas where water accumulation is likely. He directed SDOs to maintain regular coordination with Municipal Executive Officers, respond promptly to situations, and ensure that the general public does not face any inconvenience.

In today's meeting, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the progress of both long-term and short-term measures for preventing water accumulation and took stock of the current situation. He took a detailed review of various aspects, including the latest reports on Works Division and BUIDCO-managed DPS units; pre-monsoon preparations; the operational status of all sum houses under Patna Municipal Corporation; the cleaning and desilting of drains, catch pits, manholes, and underground drains; the situation of encroachments on drains; the cleaning of drains along link roads; and arrangements for uninterrupted power supply at drainage pumping stations.

The Divisional Commissioner reviewed the current situation of encroachments and cleaning actions regarding major drains in Patna, including the Badshahi Drain, Serpentine Drain, Ashiana-Deegha Drain, Nand Lal Chhapra Drain, Bakarganj Drain, Saidpur Drain, Mandri Drain, and Brahmotra Drain. The Commissioner said that the Patna district administration regularly inspects all drains—both large and small, including the city's nine major drains—through cleaning and desilting teams. He directed officials to conduct joint inspections of main drains and sites. Along with inspecting drains, he directed them to review the entire network—including drainage pumping stations, roads, bridges, and catchment areas—so that it can be ensured that there are no obstacles in the water flow.

He emphasized the need for proper cleaning of all drains, saying, "100% cleaning of drains should be ensured in their entire stretch." Patna District Magistrate Mr. Kandan Kumar informed the Commissioner that, like previous years, special teams led by senior officers have been formed this year as well to inspect all major drains in the city. Joint inspections are regularly conducted to review the current situation. Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) Commissioner Mr. Yashpal Meena informed the Commissioner that all PMC zones have prepared an action plan based on the latest survey of drains. Accordingly, the work of cleaning large and small drains, as well as all manholes and catch pits, started on 3 January 2026 in all zones and has been completed as per the schedule and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Complaints received from citizens are promptly addressed through the 24x7 control room (toll-free number: 155304; chatbot number: 926444) set up at the headquarters.