Nearly 1,900 manholes still open in city: Survey | Patna News – Times of India
Patna: Residents of Patna need to be cautious when navigating waterlogged streets during the monsoon as nearly 1,900 manholes are either open or in a dilapidated condition. These open manholes, especially in low-lying areas, often become submerged, making them nearly impossible to spot.
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated efforts to cover all manholes and catchpits before the monsoon, but only 65% to 70% have been addressed so far.PMC commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar had announced plans to make the city free of open manholes by May, but this goal was not met.
After missing multiple deadlines, the PMC has set a new target to complete the task by the end of August. Parashar said the replacement of broken and open chamber pots with pre-cast concrete manholes is progressing well and is expected to be completed by August 15.
“During the survey of all 75 circles, around 2.6 lakh catchpits, drains and manholes were inspected by the civic body team. They identified all the drainage systems posing a threat to residents’ safety. About 6,368 manholes were found without lids, broken or in poor condition. The team has covered approximately 65-70% of these drains with pre-cast structures,” Parashar said.
The survey revealed that the Kankarbagh circle has the highest number of uncovered manholes, with 1,374, including 280 in ward 45 and 257 in ward 31. Also, 209 catchpits and 368 drains remain uncovered. In the Patliputra circle, there are 600 manholes, 323 catchpits and 345 drains without lids or broken, while the New Capital area has 531 manholes, 117 catchpits and 160 drains in need of attention.
Similarly, Bankipur has 398 uncovered manholes, 416 catchpits and 46 drains, while Patna City has 67 manholes, 467 catchpits and 478 drains still open. The Azimabad circle has the fewest uncovered manholes at 66, along with 163 catchpits and 250 drains. The PMC is investing Rs 5.5 crore in this project.
Ashish Kumar Sinha, an empowered standing committee member, said the work to make the city open-manhole free is expected to be completed by the end of August.
“The delay was initially due to the Lok Sabha elections. Work began after May. Only two companies in Patna produce the pre-cast structures for manholes and the demand from all wards has created a challenge, leading to delays,” he said.
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