In a crucial move to prevent urban flooding, Patna's Municipal Commissioner, Yashpal Meena, has issued strict instructions to ensure the city's drainage network remains fully functional during the ongoing metro rail construction. The directive came during a detailed inspection of key drainage channels on Wednesday.
On-Site Inspection and Immediate Directives
Commissioner Yashpal Meena personally reviewed the Yogipur and New Bypass drains, focusing on water flow management and the structural integrity of these systems amidst the massive infrastructure project. He instructed officials to design and implement effective diversion plans—whether temporary or permanent—for the New Bypass drain. The primary goal is to maintain uninterrupted drainage throughout the metro construction phase.
This inspection follows an earlier assessment of the Kurji and Badshahi nalas. During the review, Meena stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to ensure the timely completion of sluice gates near Bhoothnath and Nandlal Chapra. These structures are vital for regulating water flow and preventing backflow during heavy rains.
Sanitation and Monitoring Protocols Established
To uphold public health and sanitation standards, the commissioner mandated a strict timeline for the removal of silt extracted during desilting operations. Officials have been ordered to ensure that extracted silt is cleared within 24 to 48 hours of the cleaning process, preventing the waste from clogging other parts of the system or causing environmental nuisance.
Furthermore, a proactive monitoring mechanism has been put in place. Specialised teams comprising engineers and sanitation officials have been deployed across the city. Their mandate is to continuously monitor all major drains, including the Saidpur, Bakerganj, and Serpentine nalas. This vigilant oversight aims to ensure the quality of ongoing work and proactively prevent any incidents of waterlogging.
Balancing Development with Civic Infrastructure
The commissioner's directives highlight the administration's focus on balancing ambitious development projects like the metro with the protection of existing essential civic infrastructure. The move is a preventive step to avoid the chaos of urban flooding, which often plagues Indian cities during the monsoon. By securing the drainage system now, the municipal corporation aims to ensure that the metro's construction does not come at the cost of the city's basic resilience to rainfall.
The emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and strict deadlines reflects a structured approach to urban management. As Patna strides towards a modern transit system, these orders seek to safeguard the daily lives of its citizens from potential civic disruptions caused by large-scale construction.
