Bengaluru Rains: CM Orders Action on Drain Encroachments

NEWS CHARIOT:-Unseasonal and intense rainfall has wreaked havoc across Bengaluru, leading to widespread flooding in several parts of the city. Triggered by a surface-level circulation over the Bay of Bengal, the downpour left roads submerged, uprooted trees, and brought vehicular movement to a halt.

This level of rainfall in May is the highest recorded in the last 10 years. Among the worst-hit areas is the sprawling Manyata Tech Park, spread across 300 acres, which houses several prominent IT companies. The flooding has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), who blamed the Congress government for unchecked urban encroachments and poor city planning.

Accusing Congress leaders of illegally occupying parks, lakes, and stormwater drains, the opposition alleged that the negligence has led to Bengaluru losing its “Brand City” image. In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar undertook extensive field inspections across the city over two days, visiting severely affected areas and interacting with residents. They also reviewed emergency operations at the BBMP control room.

During their visit to Yelahanka Division, the Chief Minister inspected the key stormwater channel, Rajakaluve, which links several local flood drains. He expressed anger over unauthorized constructions along the canal and ordered BBMP officials to begin immediate demolition. He set a deadline to clear all encroachments before the onset of the next monsoon.

Officials informed that several private developers, including Manyata Tech Park, Embassy, Manpho, and Karle, have been named in complaints received by the Grievance Cell for encroaching upon the Rajakaluve. Siddaramaiah warned that even high-profile builders would not be spared.

He also directed the Town Planning Department to rework the design of cellars and parking spaces in large apartment complexes and submit proposals within three months. Later, during his visit to Geddalahalli, officials reported that the stormwater drain’s width had shrunk from 29 meters to 8 meters, creating dangerous bottlenecks. The Chief Minister instructed immediate widening to prevent future flooding.

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