Bengaluru rains: CM orders removal of encroachments on drains, to ban basements in low-lying areas

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday ordered “immediate removal” of encroachments that had caused flooding near Manyata Tech park in north Bengaluru following the Sunday deluge.

“I have inspected the storm-water drain near Manyata Tech Park and observed encroachments. I have ordered for immediate removal of these encroachments. The CEO of Manyata Tech Park has assured that they will build a drain on their private road within 90 days to ensure smooth water flow,” said Siddaramaiah, during a press meet that followed his visit to the rain-affected areas in the city, along with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Bengaluru MLAs and civic officials.

The chief minister stated that on May 19 this year, 132 mm of rain was recorded during the night, the second-highest rainfall in the last 10 years. In 2022, Bengaluru had recorded 299 mm rainfall in a single day.

Elaborating on the issues across the various spots visited by him, the CM stated that in HBR Layout 5th Stage, water had entered the houses due to storm-water drain issues. He has directed the authorities to speed up the construction of the retaining wall. He also warned of strict action against people who dump waste into the drains.

A narrow vent near the railway bridge at the Sai Layout which suffered due to severe water-logging can be resolved by widening the vent, opined the CM who also stated that the funds had been allocated and the work would be completed soon. “I have directed BBMP to release a total of Rs 13 crore. While Rs 6 crore worth work was completed, Rs 3 crore has already been paid,” he added.

In Panathur Garden, Mahadevapura, the team  led by the CM identified the problem to be the inadequate width of the valley. “Water does not drain smoothly and causes problems every year. The width beneath the railway line is very narrow. Widening and road expansion work is underway, with 20% work pending. Using trenchless technology, the remaining work should be completed within 45 days,” said Siddaramaiah.

The Chief Minister called for a joint plan and coordination between Metro, BBMP, and National Highways to resolve the flooding at Silk Board Junction, where water flows in from four directions and accumulates toward HSR Layout. 

Similarly, a rapid survey and relief process was ordered in Gurappanapalya, where a retaining wall had collapsed, leading to water entering homes. “Immediate compensation will be provided to all the affected residents. I’ve ordered a rapid survey and relief process. I have also instructed relevant authorities not to allow basement constructions in low-lying areas henceforth. A total of 166 sensitive and highly sensitive low-lying areas have been identified, and precautionary measures have been taken,” added the CM.

Drawing attention to the need for improvement of storm-water drains, the CM said, “Clear orders have been given to remove encroachments on drains, regardless of how influential the encroachers are. Bengaluru has around 860 km of storm-water drains. Lining work has been completed for 491 km. Work is ongoing for 125 km, which will be completed within three months. For the remaining 173 km, we have taken a loan of ₹2,000 crore from the World Bank, and tenders have been finalized. The project is expected to be completed within three years. Our government has initiated infrastructure development projects focused on storm-water drain improvements, to find a permanent solution to Bengaluru’s urban flooding.”

India