Palike claims precautions in place, reality check shows otherwise
May 22
Bengaluru
Following the heavy thunderstorm on Sunday, citizens of Bengaluru are worried if the city is prepared to take on the monsoon this year. The pre-monsoon shower wreaked havoc in several parts of the city as trees fell and roads were flooded for some time.
The Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Tushar Girinath said that the Rajakaluves (major stormwater drains) have been kept clean by the BBMP which has been desilting the drains once every three months.
Ind Reports found that Rajakaluves at the same areas that were adversely affected last year were still in bad shape. They were either under construction (of retaining walls) or desilting process. Large amounts of garbage, with a potential of clogging the narrow culverts, was also seen in some of the drains.
Residents of HBR Layout had suffered last year when the stormwater drain overflowed and inundated their homes. Even now, work on this stretch has not been completed.
Stormwater drain near Telecom Layout, HBR Layout
Another major incident of flooding took place on the Outer Ring Road between Bellandur and Devarabeesanahalli last year. However, the drain that carried water from the outlet of the huge Bellandur lake is still not clear and ready for monsoon.
Stretch of the stormwater drain near Bellandur Lake
Responding to queries by reporters, the Chief Commissioner said that the city received a heavy downpour amounting to 50 mm in 45 minutes. “Rainwater flooded around 20 houses in the city – mainly in Mahalakshmi Layout and DJ Halli. Due to heavy wind, leaves clogged the drain gratings and caused blockage,” he said.
Expressing regret on the death of a woman who got stuck in her car in an inundated underpass, he said that reports have been sought on the condition of underpasses across the city. He said that the underpasses prone to waterlogging will be checked and closed for traffic in case any repair needs to be undertaken.
Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath at BBMP Control Room
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