Pramesh S Jain
*Chief Commissioner Inspects Silk Board Junction, Issues Instructions via Virtual Meeting to Officials.
*Health Camp Organized in Sai Layout:
The city has been experiencing continuous rainfall over the past two days.The Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert’for heavy rain accompanied by strong winds from May 20 to May 22.
In view of the ongoing rainfall across all eight zones of BBMP,officials have been instructed to remain alert and actively address any arising issues.
Citizens are advised to stay cautious and are encouraged to report problems by calling the BBMP helpline number–1533.
*Zone-wise Updates on Rainfall-Related Situations within BBMP Limits:
*Mahadevapura Zone:
Zonal Commissioner Ramesh visited Sai Layout and conducted on-site inspection.The water levels have reduced by approximately 80%,and if there is no further rain today, the area is expected to be fully drained.Slabs on roadside drains have been removed,and water is being cleared using JCBs and staff to ensure free flow through cleaned drains.
Officials are monitoring the situation on-site.Currently,1 JCB, 2 tractors,2 HP pump sets,and 16 staff are deployed.
The waterlogging occurred due to sudden intense rainfall, but the situation is improving as rain decreases. Arrangements for three meals a day and clean drinking water have been made for affected residents.
Due to waterlogging in Sai Layout,the BBMP Health Department organized a Health Camp where residents received free health checkups and medicines.
*Bommanahalli Zone:
In areas such as HSR Layout and Anugraha Layout, which experienced waterlogging,pump sets have been used to drain the water.
*West Zone:
Zonal Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishor inspected KR Market and Belimath Road along with officials.Water stagnation was observed in the parking area of KR Market and steps have been taken to clear it. Instructions were given to intensify monitoring of water-prone areas.
*South Zone:
At the Silk Board Junction,rainwater is not draining effectively due to the presence of a storm water drain and metro construction works.Transport Minister and local MLA Ramalinga Reddy,along with Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, visited the site for inspection.
Due to high water levels in the storm water drain,Silk Board Junction has been flooded.Officials have been directed to initiate restoration work on the storm water drain and coordinate with the BMRCL to take immediate preventive actions.
In KAS Officers Layout,there is a need to construct a new drain.As this area involves private land, acquisition is required.
Officials were instructed to create a temporary water channel under disaster management provisions and proceed with permanent drainage construction.
*RR Nagar Zone:
On Andrahalli Main Road near Janani School, a retaining wall collapsed, damaging a roadside drain and causing an electric pole to fall. Officials were directed to issue a show-cause notice to the property owner.
In the Jawaregoudanadoddi area,side drains are blocked, resulting in waterlogging. Measures have been taken for road cutting to facilitate water drainage, and cleaning operations are underway for blocked drains.
Near Vidyamandir School,unauthorized wall construction has taken up half the road.A JCB was brought in to remove the structure,and officials were instructed to immediately construct a temporary drain under disaster management provisions to restore water flow.
*75 Lakes Filled Across City:
Out of 183 lakes within BBMP limits,75 have already reached capacity due to the ongoing rainfall. Cleaning operations are being conducted at the outflow points (sluices) of these lakes. Simultaneously, debris such as plastic, branches, and other waste is being cleared from stormwater drains.
*Clearing of Fallen Trees:
Reports were received of 25 trees and 44 large branches fallen due to yesterday’s rain. Of these,10 trees and 25 branches have been cleared so far.The tree-clearing teams are actively working to remove the remaining obstructions.
*Virtual Review Meeting with Officials:
In light of the ongoing rain across Bengaluru,Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao held a virtual meeting with BBMP officials and issued necessary instructions.
All zonal control rooms are to promptly respond to complaints received from the public.Officers must remain alert and act swiftly to resolve civic issues.
Zonal Commissioners and officials are to remain in constant contact with local Fire and Emergency Services stations and utilize their personnel and equipment when needed.
*Further Actions being taken by BBMP:
•For the fiscal year 2024-25,the Government of Karnataka has allocated Rs.2,000 crores to BBMP under the“Karnataka Water Security and Disaster Resilience Initiative. Under this scheme,173.90 km of remaining earthen storm water drains will be upgraded with RCC retaining walls.
•Additional scientific methods will be implemented by KSNDMC.
•Measures will be taken to effectively remove encroachments along storm water drains.
•Existing lakes in Bengaluru will be connected via feeder drains to serve as natural flood mitigation systems.
