Has Bengaluru’s Flooding Impacted its Global Reputation?

Bengaluru, May 19 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has criticized the Congress-led administration for the severe flooding and waterlogging issues plaguing Bengaluru, asserting that the city’s global standing has been adversely impacted.

The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, demanded on Monday that the government promptly allocate Rs 1,000 crore for relief efforts following the rain-induced calamity.

According to Ashoka, a downpour measuring between 103 to 130 mm wreaked havoc throughout the city on Sunday night, prompting him to call for immediate relief initiatives to assist the affected residents.

He remarked that a singular pre-monsoon rainfall event has unveiled the stark reality of the Congress government's “Brand Bengaluru.”

Amid this crisis, Ashoka expressed his outrage at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and other ministers, who he claimed were preoccupied with a celebration event for the Congress-led government’s two-year anniversary, rather than attending to the victims.

“Since midnight on Sunday, I have received numerous calls from across the city. Many localities are inundated, hundreds of vehicles have been lost to the floods, water has entered an orphanage, and residents were left without food arrangements. Yet, the civic agency has failed to respond,” he stated with frustration.

“Last year, areas like Sai Layout and Nandagokula Layout faced similar flooding. Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar, along with civic officials, visited these areas, promising lasting solutions. However, those promises were not fulfilled, and once again, those neighborhoods are submerged, with no one addressing the residents' concerns,” Ashoka added.

Flooding has affected regions in Hebbal, Koramangala, and the Vrishabhavathi valleys. The meteorological department has predicted heavy rainfall for the next three to four days. Ashoka has called for the immediate formation of a task force for emergency relief and the establishment of a helpline.

He insisted that at least Rs 1 lakh should be provided as compensation to each household impacted by the flooding. Food and snacks arrangements must be made, along with distribution of relief sufficient for two months.

The government's inability to learn from last year’s mistakes has culminated in this disaster. Proper cleaning of drains and stormwater channels should have been conducted ahead of time. Ongoing white-topping and repair work in various parts of the city could have been avoided if debris had been removed in advance, Ashoka criticized.

“The negligence of Bengaluru’s civic agencies is the root cause of these disasters, a fact acknowledged by Home Minister G. Parameshwara himself. What more proof is needed of Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s failures?” Ashoka sarcastically quipped.

Last year, Shivakumar held public outreach initiatives under the pretext of providing relief to Assembly constituencies, making grand promises to the populace. Now, he must explain what happened to those commitments. Instead of offering assistance, he has brought floodwaters and debris to people’s doorsteps, Ashoka ridiculed.

“Despite acting as if his reputation remains intact, Shivakumar has blamed the previous government for this catastrophe. If that's the case, what has he been doing for the past two years? Is this their “Brand Bengaluru”? It’s “Greater” in name only, as people endure daily struggles. A single rain has eroded their “Brand Bengaluru,” humiliating the city's global reputation,” the BJP leader asserted.

Previously, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees the Bengaluru Development portfolio, expressed his concern regarding the situation.

“I am genuinely worried about the destruction caused by the continuous rains in Bengaluru. I’ve been in constant communication with officials and am monitoring the situation closely,” Shivakumar stated.

He added that he would personally visit the BBMP War Room and the flood-affected areas. “Let’s be clear -- the challenges we face today are not new; they have been overlooked for years by successive administrations. The difference now is that we are focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions rather than temporary fixes,” he emphasized.

The heavy rain that struck Bengaluru overnight resulted in significant waterlogging across various parts of the city on Monday, disrupting traffic and normal life on the first working day of the week.

Key roads, tech parks, and residential areas were inundated, causing commuters to experience prolonged delays during peak hours. Manyata Tech Park was one of the worst-hit locations, leading the Bengaluru Traffic Police to issue an advisory recommending alternative routes. Traffic disruptions were reported throughout the city.