How tech parks cause flooding in Mahadevapura’s gated communities

By Rachana Ramesh | NT

Bengaluru: Once again, the residents of gated communities in Mahadevapura bore the brunt of rain fury on Tuesday. This has been going on for the last five years. And they blame the sprouting tech parks for their miseries.

Spread over 15 acres and home to 25 families, Purva Parkridge is one such gated community. The builder had installed a storm water drainage directly connecting to the Mahadevapura lake nearby. During heavy rain, the excess water would exit through this channel. However, five years ago a tech park came up near it which led to the blockage of the channel. As a result, the rain water floods the low lying areas and the Purva Parkridge. The residents now depend on the five motor pumps to flush out water.

Tuesday was no exception.

“We undergo this nightmare every rainy season. This has been happening at least two to three times in the last five years,” said M Gopakumar Menon, a resident at Purva Parkridge.

The residents lose a number of electronic goods like fridge and washing machine each year along with furniture.

“Yesterday, water rose to four-inches high in our dining area. It is not clean rain water either but is mixed with sewage and is filthy,” said Gopakumar.

The community has issued letters to the tech park over the years. In the initial stages, they promised to build an outlet, but it still remains a promise. Residents also approached the BBMP, BWSSB and Storm Water Department regarding the issue but have only received sympathy.