JP Nagar grapples with drainage issues, illegal parking & waterlogging

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: J P Nagar, ward number 177 by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is a well-established residential area in Bengaluru. JP Nagar is known for its blend of amenities, including parks, shops, and wellmaintained streets.

The locality boasts highend bungalows, apartments, and a few commercial establishments. While Jarganahalli, a part of JP Nagar, is often noted for its safety and security, the area faces significant challenges, particularly during the rainy season.

One of the most pressing issues in JP Nagar is flooding, caused by a combination of poor drainage, illegal construction, and the encroachment of storm - water drains.

Heavy rains often result in waterlogging, as the inadequate drainage system fails to cope with the volume of water, leading to streets and homes being inundated.

A member of the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) in JP Nagar, highlighted the problem, “Nowadays, rains in the city are happening as unpredictable cloud bursts in just parts of the city causing heavy rains for a few minutes which is posing significant challenges."

They added that the encroachment of footpaths and stormwater drains exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for residents to navigate the roads after heavy rains. The situation is further complicated by issues with the stormwater drains themselves.

In some places, the metal drain covers, designed to filter out waste such as plastic covers, leaves, and debris, have disappeared posing a more serious risk. This measure was intended to prevent waste from clogging the roads during rain.

However, an auto driver in the area pointed out, “This has led to debris flowing directly into the drains, causing them to clog and over - flow. This overflow not only floods the streets but also results in sewage water entering homes.”

Open and broken stormwater drains add another layer of danger. In some areas, these drains have been left uncovered and filled with garbage, creating hazardous conditions. For instance, a drain outside a toddler's school has become a major safety concern.

A teacher at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “We filed a complaint when this was just a small broken pathway itself, but no action was taken. Cut to 6 months, this is a major hazard. We are tired of fili n g complaints; we have now hired a security guard just to monitor and help the children in this five-foot area.”

Another issue is the broken branches often accumulate on the side of the road for days before being picked up.

A resident noted that while the BBMP is prompt in clearing branches from roads and hazardous areas during rains, they are less efficient in removing these branches afterwards.

This delay creates unsightly and potentially hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. The resident emphasised the need for consistent maintenance to prevent these issues and ensure the area remains clean and safe.

Illegal parking is a persistent issue in JP Nagar, causing significant inconvenience for residents. Vehicles are often parked haphazardly on footpaths and narrow lanes, obstructing pedestrian pathways and making it difficult for other vehicles to pass.

This problem is exacerbated during peak hours and around commercial establishments. The lack of adequate parking spaces and frequent violations continue to disrupt the area's daily life and contribute to traffic congestion.

Despite these challenges, the community in JP Nagar is actively working to improve their locality. The Bengaluru RWA has been at the forefront of initiatives against single-use plastics (SUP).

In collaboration with BBMP Solid Waste Management teams, the RWA has consistently advocated for the elimination of SUPs.

The efforts have led to budget allocations for Flying Squads to enforce SUP regulations at markets, transport checkpoints, and factories, supported by whistleblower reports. Moreover, the RWA is dedicated to keeping Sarakki Lake clean and garbagefree.

This initiative, also in partnership with the BBMP, aims to preserve the lake and its surroundings for the benefit of the community.