Monsoon preps: Rapid response teams to tackle waterlogging

Patna: Authorities in Patna have intensified preparations ahead of the monsoon season, focusing on measures to address waterlogging and ensure a swift response to emergencies arising from heavy rainfall.

Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco) managing director (MD) Animesh Kumar Parashar directed officials to activate field teams immediately upon issuance of weather alerts by the India Meteorological Department, including yellow, orange, and red alerts. He emphasised that a tier-based action plan would be implemented to ensure rapid response and effective management of waterlogging situations.

Patna district magistrate Thyagarajan SM said all officials would work with full preparedness and commitment. “Inspections have already been carried out to assess water-prone areas and stressed that waterlogging-related challenges must be addressed with seriousness and sensitivity,” he said.

Patna Municipal Corporation commissioner Yashpal Meena instructed all municipal teams to remain on 24x7 alert and ensure prompt action under all circumstances. He also directed officials to conduct field inspections during the pre-monsoon period and maintain close coordination with all concerned departments.

“As part of the preparedness measures, engineers from Buidco and the municipal corporation will determine water-level thresholds for pumps to prevent excessive accumulation of rainwater. Officials have been warned that strict action would be taken against responsible officers or agencies if pumps fail to operate when required,” Parashar said.

Authorities have also ordered adequate stockpiling of sandbags in every administrative zone and directed that pumps be pre-positioned at locations identified as vulnerable to waterlogging. At sensitive sites, machinery will continue operating during night shifts, with staff and personnel stationed within wards to ensure uninterrupted operations.

“Continuous monitoring and maintenance of equipment and stock will be carried out, with officers assigned zone-wise responsibilities for supervision,” the Buidco MD said and directed that anyone found damaging public property or infrastructure would be identified and prosecuted through the registration of FIRs.

Senior officials from the municipal corporation, Buidco and other concerned departments have been tasked with ensuring coordinated implementation of the monsoon preparedness plan across the city.