Gaya: The Gaya Municipal Corporation (GMC) has decided to initiate departmental action against a sanitation officer accused of withdrawing around Rs 40 lakh without approval from the empowered standing committee or the civic body’s board.The issue came up during a meeting of the empowered standing committee chaired by Mayor Virendra Kumar alias Ganesh Paswan on Wednesday. The mayor and municipal commissioner Gagan Kumar reprimanded sanitation officer Shubham Kumar and sought an explanation for the withdrawal of funds for wall-painting work without prior approval.The municipal commissioner ordered an inquiry into the matter and directed the officer to refund the amount within 90 days, failing which legal action and suspension proceedings would be initiated.The meeting also reviewed preparations for the Pitripaksh Mela, scheduled to begin on Sept 25. The civic body plans to outsource sanitation services in the mela area and monitor cleanliness through drone surveillance.Officials said the Falgu river will be cleaned round the clock using mechanised cleaning boats, while drones will be deployed to keep a close watch on sanitation arrangements.To improve facilities for pilgrims, the corporation is considering installing solar-powered water ATMs at key locations to provide drinking water. A laser light show highlighting Gaya’s religious and historical significance has also been proposed, while efforts are being made to revive the light-and-sound programme at Brahmasarovar.The committee further directed officials to complete the cleaning of drains across the city within 10 days to prevent waterlogging during the mela.