Buidco ramps up efforts to address waterlogging during monsoon

Patna: The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (Buidco) has ramped up its efforts to address the recurring problem of waterlogging in Patna during the monsoon season.

Repair and maintenance work on all permanent and temporary drainage pumping stations (DPS) is being carried out on a war footing to ensure smooth drainage of rainwater across the city.In a review meeting with officials and staff, the managing director of Buidco, Animesh Kumar Parashar, directed all personnel not to rely solely on agencies for the upkeep of pumps. He emphasised that they must personally inspect the maintenance work themselves on a regular basis.

Additionally, cleaning of all sump wells has begun to remove silt and ensure proper cleaning of gratings.Officers have been directed to personally monitor these activities and submit detailed reports to the headquarters. “Once the work is completed, videography of the sites will be carried out, followed by a thorough reinspection at the headquarters-level to verify that all tasks have been executed properly.

Patna has a well-established network for draining out rainwater,” Parashar said.There are 56 permanent and 35 temporary DPS functioning in the city. In addition, 35 more temporary DPS have been established in low-lying areas that experience heavy waterlogging and do not have permanent pumping stations. The temporary arrangements, particularly stretching from Patna to Danapur, include the installation of pumps as an alternative measure to quickly remove accumulated rainwater.“A total of 364 pumps will be utilised for the drainage of the city during the monsoon. Out of these, 265 are electric-powered pumps, while 99 are diesel-operated sets. As many as 256 pumps have been installed at permanent DPS, and 83 pumps are deployed at temporary stations. To ensure better accountability and continuous monitoring during the monsoon, Buidco has restructured its mechanical works into three independent divisions.

This reorganisation will allow for more effective supervision of drainage operations across different parts of the city,” the MD said.The Patna East Mechanical Works Division, with its headquarters at Pahari, will be responsible for the Azimabad and Patna City circles. The Patna Central Mechanical Works Division, with headquarters at Malahi Pakri, will look after the Kankarbagh and Bankipur circles. Meanwhile, the Patna West Mechanical Works Division, based at Rajapur Pul, will cover the Patliputra and New Capital circles, Patna West, and Danapur regions.Parashar added: “The headquarters and jurisdictions of these new divisions have already been clearly defined, and specific responsibilities have been assigned to all officers concerned.”