State plans ?5,000 cr fix for Bengaluru rain woes

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

The state government has proposed a ?5,000 crore plan to “permanently fix” issues caused by heavy rains in the city. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has identified areas vulnerable to floods and significant property damage. Currently, the stormwater drain network measures 856 kilometers. The government plans to expand this to 1,100 kilometers by constructing small canals that do not connect to the main drain. According to reports, 700 kilometers of stormwater drains (SWD) have already been developed, and another 300 kilometers will be completed within a year.

For this purpose, ?240 crore has been sanctioned under the Disaster Mitigation Fund. Several rounds of meetings have been held to seek financial assistance from the World Bank for permanent measures to mitigate damage caused by rains within BBMP limits. The plan includes the development of Rajakaluves at a cost of ?2,000 crore. However, reports indicate that the government may borrow ?3,000 crore from the World Bank for this initiative.

?1,000 crore earmarked for drainage lines in 110 villages- The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) will receive funding to design and establish proper sewage lines in the 110 villages recently added to BBMP limits. Addressing poor drainage systems in these villages is a priority, with the government keen on funding this critical project. Additionally, as previously reported, problematic areas in the city, which often attract attention for their poor condition, have been earmarked for repairs worth ?695 crore.