Patna: With monsoon rains posing a recurring threat of waterlogging in the state capital, senior officials on Monday inspected several vulnerable locations and directed immediate as well as long-term measures to improve the drainage system.Urban development and housing department secretary-cum-Buidco managing director Animesh Kumar Parashar and Patna Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena jointly inspected New Market, GPO and R-Block as part of the city’s ongoing monsoon preparedness drive aimed at ensuring faster stormwater drainage and preventing waterlogging.During the inspection at Lassi Gali in New Market, the officials interacted with local shopkeepers, who said the lane lies nearly two-and-a-half feet below the level of the main road, preventing rainwater from draining efficiently and leading to frequent waterlogging that disrupts business activities.Following the inspection, officials of the road construction department were instructed to prepare and implement a plan to provide a permanent solution to the drainage problem in the area. Buidco’s project director was also directed to lay hume pipes in Chandrakala Gali and connect them to the box drain near GPO to strengthen the drainage network.As an interim measure, the Patna Municipal Corporation installed a 10 HP pump at Lassi Gali and a 26 HP pump at Chandrakala Gali on Sunday to facilitate quicker drainage of rainwater during heavy showers.The officials also reviewed the drainage system near Veer Kunwar Singh Park, where inadequate drain capacity often results in waterlogging. The civic body has constructed a temporary earthen drain connected to the serpentine drain’s box culvert near the park’s main entrance. During the visit, instructions were issued to further clear and improve the drain’s outfall to ensure uninterrupted flow.The inspection also included a review of the box drain constructed by Buidco near GPO. After removing a section of the slab, officials examined the depth and cleanliness of the drain and found both to be satisfactory.
