Overflowing drains, water scarcity, and garbage heaps plague ward no. 138 - Chalavadipalya

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape of Beng alur u, Chalavadipalya, ward number 138, stands as a stark reminder of the city's inherent contradictions.

While the neighbourhood grapples with overpopulation, inadequate infrastructure, and a host of civic issues, it also faces the irony of waterlogging and flooding during the monsoon season, yet experiencing acute water scarcity for daily needs.

The irony is visible as residents tell stories of water seeping into their homes during the rains, rendering their living spaces uninhabitable, while simultaneously struggling to access clean drinking water for even the most basic needs.

In the recent rains, rainwater mixed with sewage flooded houses, causing immense hardship for the residents. The residents were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge outside shops and bus stops with their families.

Jansi, a resident has been facing a recurring problem with water flooding into her house even after a brief spell of rain.

She expressed her frustration with the situation and highlighted that the sewage pipes year are becoming old and rusted. The irony of waterlogging and water scarcity in Chalavadipalya underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to urban planning and resource management.

The city must prioritise the development of robust infrastructure, including efficient drainage systems and reliable water supply networks, to address the ward's longstanding issues.

The low-lying areas of Chalavadipalya are particularly vulnerable to waterlogging during the monsoon season. The open stor mwater drains, or rajkaluves, as they are locally known, are often clogged with debris, preventing the efficient drainage of rainwater.

This results in water overflowing the drains and inundating the streets and homes, causing widespread disruption and damage. Overpopulation poses a substantial challenge within the ward, characterised by a dense population.

This exerts pressure on the current infrastructure, resulting in problems such as overloaded storm drains and insufficient waste management. The ward's slum is home to more than 400 families, concentrated in a compact area.

These families, typically consisting of 4 to 5 members, inhabit cramped living spaces enclosed by asbestos, where each household is confined to a single room. The lack of drinking water supply is another pressing concern for residents.

The ward's water supply system is unreliable and often fails to provide clean, potable water. This forces residents to rely on private water suppliers or spend long hours queuing at public taps, further exacerbating their daily hardships.

Lakshmi and her family of 4 including their dog said, “We don't even have access to essentials such as water and ration. I have lived here almost 40 years and the situation here has not improved at all.”

She and other residents stated that everything that they need is being provided by an NGO and the government has not taken any action until now. Pedestrian encroachment in Chalavadipalya is an issue, as vendors and shopkeepers establish their stalls on sidewalks, impeding the smooth flow of pedestrian traffic.

This practice not only exacerbates congestion in the area but also gives rise to significant safety concerns for pedestrians, particularly during peak hours.

The occupation of sidewalks by vendors and shopkeepers not only narrows the available walking space but also forces pedestrians to navigate through a maze of makeshift structures and merchandise.

This constriction can lead to bottlenecks and an overall slowdown in foot traffic. Moreover, the encroachment often extends into the roadway, further complicating the movement of both pedestrians and vehicles.