Patna Municipal Corporation plans more facilities along Ganga riverfront

PATNA: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed a plan for further beautification of Ganga riverfront between Collectorate and Rani Ghat. The plan envisages providing facilities like food kiosks, lifeguards, tubewells and lavatories. A formal proposal in this regard is likely to be tabled in the next meeting of the PMC’s empowered standing committee on December 18.
PMC officials said if the proposal is approved by the standing committee and the PMC board, then a private firm will be roped in to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) and corresponding maintenance works.
Patna mayor Sita Sahu told this newspaper on Wednesday that the new plan has been conceptualized for augmentation of amenities at the existing riverfront.
“We will increase the number of water kiosks to ensure sufficient drinking water for the visitors. Also, only makeshift food kiosks will be allowed to sell food items at the riverfront. There will no permanent structure,” Sahu said.
She added: “In order to ensure proper illumination, high-mast lights will be installed wherever required. Besides, modular toilets will be constructed and maintained by PMC sanitation staff. Experienced divers will also deputed at the riverfront to meet any eventuality.”
The 6.5km-long Ganga Riverfront Project in Patna covers 20 ghats from Collectorate to Rani Ghat. Most ghats under the phase- I of the project are adorned with Madhubani paintings and have facilities like sitting kiosks, benches, street lights and water kiosks.
Sources said other important proposals likely to be tabled in the next meeting of empowered standing committee include maintenance of a new interstate bus terminal, review of ‘Nali Gali Yojana’, installation of eco-friendly crematoriums at Bans Ghat and Gulbi Ghat and their maintenance as well. A proposal is also likely to be tabled for installation of Right to Public Service (RTPS) counters in all circles, including Azimabad, Bankipore, Kankarbagh, New Capital, Pataliputra and Patna City to provide all the municipal-related services to the residents.