Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation on Friday announced that it will launch a helpline number to address waterlogging problems.

Commissioner Anupam Kumar Suman said: "The helpline number will work 24x7 and will provide point-to-point solutions on waterlogging complaints. Complaints will be resolved n a day."

The helpline number will be released by next week.

Suman said all required resources such as diesel and additional manpower have been provided to all the sump houses to effectively tackle waterlogging complaints.

He added that nearly 90 per cent of the big drains at Mithapur, Beur, Patna City, Saidpur and other areas has been cleaned, while work is on eliminate encroachments on nalas.

"The department is working tirelessly to deal with the urban problem," said Suman. "We are optimistic that the PMC will deal with waterlogging problems effectively this season. Patna lacks an effective drainage system but we are hopeful about addressing residents' complaints in spite of limited resources and manpower."

Urban development minister Suresh Kumar Sharma said waterlogging and waste management are historically Patna's most crucial issues. He said officials have been instructed to enhance the image of Patna so far as urban governance was concerned.

"We promise better urban amenities and the results will show," he told mediapersons on Friday.

Chaitanya Prasad, secretary of the urban development department, said a makeover of the state's drainage systems was in the works.

As part of the plan, Chaitanya said, drainage system worth Rs 100-150 crore will be built in Madhubani and Muzaffarpur.