₹142 Crore 'Storm Drainage Scheme' Gains Momentum
Bhagalpur: There is great news for the residents of the city. People who have been struggling with the problem of waterlogging for years are soon going to get permanent relief. Preparations to implement the ambitious ₹142 crore 'Storm Water Drainage Scheme' have accelerated. To execute this project, the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) has begun finalizing its action plan.
What is the Storm Drainage Scheme?
The primary objective of this scheme is to ensure the rapid and scientific drainage of rainwater that accumulates on roads and in lanes during the monsoon. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by BUIDCO, a total of 23 drainage routes have been identified in various parts of the city. A network of over 25 kilometers of concrete drains will be laid along these routes. These drains will be fully covered, and their slope will be organized in such a way that rainwater cannot accumulate anywhere.
Construction to be Done in Two Phases
The team from BUIDCO and the Municipal Corporation has prepared this action plan by dividing the entire city into two separate phases. This will not only make the construction work easier but will also ensure that water drainage facilities reach every corner of the city.
Phase I: In this phase, the most sensitive waterlogging hotspots will be prioritized so that residents in those areas can get relief by the next monsoon.
Phase II: In this phase, the main drainage network will be connected to larger drains or water bodies, covering the remaining parts of the city.
Presentation to be Held in Patna
Engineers from the Bhagalpur BUIDCO office are fully prepared to secure technical approval for this ₹142 crore project. According to Project Deputy Director Md. Saddam, as soon as final instructions are received from the department, the Bhagalpur BUIDCO team will travel to Patna to give a 'presentation' of this scheme before higher officials. This presentation will cover the project's intricacies, technical standards, and timelines. Once the presentation is complete and technical and financial approval is granted, the tender process will begin.
Permanent Freedom from Waterlogging
The problem of waterlogging in the central and low-lying areas of the city is decades old. With the construction of this large network of storm water drains, a direct path for water flow will be created. This will not only end the issue of road deterioration but will also significantly reduce the risk of mosquito breeding and the spread of diseases.
The local administration believes that this scheme will prove to be a milestone in modernizing Bhagalpur's infrastructure. The city's residents are now just waiting for the day when the excavation work begins and they can finally be free from the problem of waterlogging.
