CM Siddaramaiah: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other officials visited several flood-affected areas in Bengaluru on Wednesday. During the inspection, they instructed officials to act swiftly and remove all encroachments on stormwater drains (rajakaluves), regardless of the influence or authority of those responsible. “Remove encroachments on rajakaluves without hesitation, even if influential people are involved,” the chief minister told journalists. The government has already directed the concerned authorities to take immediate action.

CM Response:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Bengaluru has roughly 860 kilometers of rajakaluves (stormwater drains). He confirmed that workers have already completed lining 491 kilometers and will finish another 125 kilometers within the next three months. The government secured a ₹2,000 crore loan from the World Bank to develop the remaining 173 kilometers. “We plan to complete the work within three years, and we have already finalized the tenders,” he said. Siddaramaiah also directed officials to prohibit future basement construction in low-lying areas. “We have initiated precautionary measures in 166 flood-prone zones classified as sensitive or highly sensitive,” he added.

Area-wise updates:

Manyata Tech Park: Officials identified stormwater drain encroachments in Manyata Tech Park and immediately ordered their removal. The park’s CEO pledged to construct a proper drain on a private road within ninety days to ensure efficient water flow.

HBR Layout 5th Stage: Overflowing drains flooded multiple homes. Workers are now building a retaining wall, and the Chief Minister ordered them to complete it as quickly as possible. Authorities have been instructed to take strict action against those who dump trash into sewers.

Sai Layout: Siddaramaiah said the low-lying layout remains flood-prone due to a small railway vent, a long-standing issue. He confirmed that the government has now allocated funds to extend the existing vent and construct additional ones. Officials have already completed work worth approximately ₹6 crore out of the ₹13 crore sanctioned for the project and disbursed around ₹3 crore in payments.

Also Read: Bengaluru Rains: Water Pumped, Silt Cleared Before CM Visit

Panathur Garden (Mahadevapura): Narrow culverts beneath the railway line trigger annual floods in Panathur Garden (Mahadevapura). Authorities have already begun road widening and culvert enlargement projects, with 20% of the work still pending. They expect to complete the remaining work in 45 days using trenchless technology.

Silk Board Junction: Water flows into Silk Board Junction from four directions and drains into HSR Layout. To tackle this issue, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for coordinated planning among the Metro, BBMP, and National Highways departments. He directed all three agencies to prepare a comprehensive plan together.

Share

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•