What Measures Are Being Taken for Bengaluru’s Rain Damage?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar visited affected areas to assess damage.
- Immediate measures include widening the Geddalahalli railway bridge.
- Stormwater drain construction is prioritized in Manyata Tech Park.
- Comprehensive drainage reconstruction is planned.
- Government faces criticism for inadequate flood response.
Bengaluru, May 19 (NationPress) Following the significant damage inflicted by heavy rainfall across various regions of Bengaluru city, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Urban Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar inspected the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) War Room on Monday.
Shivakumar subsequently toured the severely affected areas, specifically visiting the Silk Board Junction and the Gopalan Mall Junction located in the R. R. Nagar region.
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who arrived at the war room via bus, were briefed extensively by BBMP Administrator Tushar Girinath.
They then conducted a virtual conference (VC) to assess the challenges faced in Sai Layout, Manyata Tech Park, and Silk Board Junction, gathering insights directly from officials and local residents severely impacted by the torrential rains.
Upon learning about the issues in Sai Layout, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured residents that plans are in place to widen the Geddalahalli railway bridge and provide a permanent resolution to ongoing concerns.
In the Manyata Tech Park vicinity, directives were issued to establish a dedicated stormwater drain connecting directly to the main drain, with an emphasis on immediate execution under disaster management protocols.
At the Silk Board Junction, where the roadway was inundated, JCB machines have been mobilized to create openings and enhance water flow from the roadway into the stormwater drainage systems. Authorities received instructions to comprehensively reconstruct the drains, ensuring alignment with water flow capacity and coordinated efforts with Metro officials.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah provided guidance and issued directives concerning essential relief measures.
He also communicated with officials in the affected sectors, urging them to take swift and appropriate action.
Minister for Energy K.J. George and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh were also present, diligently assessing the situation.
MLA N.A. Haris, the Chief Minister's political aides, Govindaraj and Nazeer Ahmed, along with Legislative Council members Seetharam and Sudham Das, were in attendance.
After the review meeting with Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar addressed the media, stating, "We are aware of Bengaluru's challenges and will address the city's issues. Authorities are diligently working at all locations."
He added, "We have resolved approximately 70 percent of the issues in Bengaluru. Yet, there is still work to be done, and we are committed to it."
Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai criticized the government for allegedly exacerbating the flooding situation in Bengaluru, tarnishing the city’s former reputation.
In a post on X, he remarked that despite the government collecting the highest taxes from Bengaluru, it has failed to release the Rs 2,000 crore allocated during their (BJP's) administration for rain-related relief over the past two years.
He further stated that the once dubbed "Silicon City" and "wealthy city" of Bengaluru has been transformed into a "poor city" by the current government, demanding immediate action.
The torrential rains have caused significant disruptions in life across Bengaluru and led to the tragic death of a woman, an employee of a private firm.