BBMP’s monsoon readiness under radar; drains uncleared

Chandra Prabhu | NT Bureau

Bengaluru: While Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) claims to be preparing for the monsoon by clearing drains for smooth passage of rainwater, citizens residing in low lying areas feel otherwise and complain of drains clogged with garbage.

After the city witnessed heavy rainfall in the past few days, the BBMP had identified 198 areas prone to flooding.

Low lying areas naturally receive a lot of water from areas at a higher altitude. Soori who resides at 9th cross, Nala road in Halasuru, says the BBMP officials had visited the spot but no work has taken place.

“We were told by the officials that the workers wouldn’t be here for two days,” he added, pointing to the equipment being brought near his house.

The area is situated near a Rajakaluve (Storm Water Drain) Karthik, a youth who resides at the same cross, lamented the Palike’s inaction.

“The showers in the last couple of days have inundated the drainage here with the mix of garbage and sewage leading to a stench all around,” he added.

Even though work to lay drains leading to the SWD is happening, residents claim that it is delayed and is poorly planned. Suresh, who runs a shop, alleged that no proper planning has happened.

“There's a tree right in the middle of the pathway. Instead of cutting it to allow smooth flow, the workers were told to retain the tree,” he added.

This will block the drain and eventually, the sewage water will flow into homes, he feared. Residents in Ward 102, AECS Layout also complain of drains being blocked and the foul smell.

The Rajakaluve near Siddapura lake is also blocked with garbage and residents have complained but to no avail.