Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Sunday announced measures to improve drainage in the low-lying New Market area near Patna Junction after shopkeepers flagged persistent waterlogging, which they attributed to the market road being around 2.5 feet lower than the adjoining main road.The civic body will install an additional 10 HP pump in Lassi Gali, replace an existing 10 HP pump with a 26 HP unit in Chandrakala Gali, and create a temporary earthen drain in coordination with the road construction department to improve water discharge.The decisions were taken during an inspection led by PMC Commissioner Yashpal Meena, who visited New Market, Mandiri Sump House, Khetan Market and Hathua Market, to review monsoon preparedness and interact with traders and local residents.To improve drainage and sanitation in New Market, the commissioner directed officials to deploy additional workers and operate in three shifts during the monsoon.At Mandiri Sump House, officials were instructed to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the pumping station during rainfall, closely monitor water levels and remain on alert based on weather forecasts.During visits to Hathua Market and Khetan Market, shopkeepers apprised the commissioner of the difficulties faced during heavy rain. Meena directed the Bankipur circle executive officer to ensure daily fogging and anti-larval spraying across the commercial area, and ordered the temporary deployment of a dedicated team to respond promptly to any waterlogging.PMC officials said the Hathua-Khetan Market stretch remains prone to water accumulation due to its low elevation. To tackle the problem, the civic body deploys three to four super sucker machines in the area during the monsoon to speed up dewatering.Executive officers of the Patliputra, New Capital and Bankipur circles, along with divisional engineering officials, were present during the inspection.
