Patna: The receding Ganga has left behind silt, waste and stagnant water at several ghats in Patna, prompting the civic body to step up cleaning and mosquito-control measures. The exercise comes as Bihar continues to deal with the aftermath of the floods, with health officials warning residents to remain alert to water- and mosquito-borne diseases.The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified deep cleaning at Ganga ghats, removing accumulated silt and waste and carrying out fogging and anti-larval spraying. PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena has directed teams to undertake cleaning in all Ganga wards as the water level recedes.Special drives are underway at J P Setu, Pati Pul, Minar Ghat, Collectorate Ghat, areas around Mangal Talab, Bhadra Ghat, Naujar Ghat and Damrahi. At Digha cremation ghat, Patthar Ghat and other locations, workers are removing mud and silt deposited after the floodwaters receded.Meena said cleaning is being carried out in two shifts daily, with two to three sanitation workers deployed at each major ghat. Additional manpower and resources are being deployed according to requirements. He added that around three tonnes of waste and silt were removed from various ghats during Tuesday’s drive.The civic body is also focusing on areas where stagnant water could create mosquito-breeding sites. Fogging and anti-larval spraying are being undertaken along with inspections of adjoining areas for waterlogging, waste and silt.At Patthar Ghat, pumps are being installed in coordination with Buidco to drain water from low-lying areas on the southern side of the road.Health officials have urged residents in flood-affected areas to take precautions. “There is a risk of diarrhoea, malaria and dengue. People should boil water before drinking, use mosquito nets and add chlorine tablets to water according to the prescribed dosage,” said Vivek Singh, district programme manager, health, Patna.With several festivals approaching, PMC has also stepped up preparations at the ghats, where footfall is expected to increase.
