Patna: District magistrate (DM) Thiyagarajan S M on Monday reviewed both short- and long-term measures to prevent waterlogging during the coming monsoon. Addressing a high-level meeting at the collectorate to assess pre-monsoon preparedness, he directed officials to remain vigilant and proactive to avoid water accumulation.The DM sought detailed updates on the condition of nine major drains and other key drains in the city, drainage pumping stations, desilting work, manholes, catch pits, underground drains and removal of encroachments. He said ensuring smooth and efficient drainage during heavy rainfall is the administration’s top priority.Special teams led by additional district magistrates have already submitted inspection reports on these aspects.Thiyagrajan stressed that the administration would follow a zero-tolerance policy towards waterlogging. “Any negligence, laxity or irregularity in preparatory and preventive measures will not be tolerated and will be treated as criminal negligence, leading to FIRs under the Disaster Management Act against erring officials,” he said.He instructed all sub-divisional officers to personally inspect their respective areas, closely monitor preparedness and ensure strict adherence to the standard operating procedure (SOP). Emphasising seamless inter-departmental coordination, he asked agencies including Buidco, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), Patna Metro Rail Corporation, Railways, Road Construction Department, Power Department, NHAI and the district administration to work in tandem to tackle drainage issues.PMC officials said comprehensive surveys and cleaning of drains, manholes and catch pits have been completed across all zones. A 24×7 control room has been set up to address public complaints through a toll-free number and WhatsApp chatbot, while real-time monitoring of drainage pumping stations is underway.Buidco officials reported that 56 permanent and 35 temporary drainage pumping stations are operational, equipped with adequate pumps, DG sets and CCTV surveillance. New pumping stations are under construction and capacity enhancement works are progressing. All stations will function round-the-clock with dedicated power supply during the monsoon, they said.The DM urged departments to plan activities based on India Meteorological Department forecasts and remain fully prepared to ensure public life is not disrupted even during heavy rains. He also directed officials to stay active on the Monsoon 2026 WhatsApp group for swift information exchange.The meeting was attended by municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena, additional deputy commissioner Shrikant Kundalik Khandekar, the SDOs of Patna Sadar, Patna City and Danapur, and other officials.
