70% waterlogged zones addressed, says Dy CM Shivakumar after heavy rains
Bengaluru’s floods spurred major action. Repairs were completed in 166 of 210 flood-prone areas, with Rs 2,000 crore allocated for 197 km of new drains. Despite progress, recent flooding and a fatality highlight ongoing challenges for the city’s infrastructure.
Bengaluru:
Significant strides have been made in addressing waterlogging across Bengaluru’s most vulnerable areas, according to the latest briefing by Shivakumar. Operating from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) control centre, officials reported that around 70 per cent of the city’s 210 flood-prone locations have now seen interventions, with work ongoing in the remainder.
After several days of relentless rainfall left large swathes of Bengaluru submerged and its residents struggling with widespread disruption, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar has provided a comprehensive update on efforts to tackle the flooding crisis gripping the city.
Substantial budget allocation of Rs 2,000 crore
Meanwhile, the traffic authorities have also identified 132 road sections known to flood during heavy showers. Of these, 82 have been cleared or improved, though 41 areas are still awaiting attention. The state government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 2,000 crore towards stormwater infrastructure to strengthen the city’s resilience to such events.
While the administration acknowledged that natural weather phenomena remain uncontrollable, it reiterated its commitment to reducing the impact of floods through ongoing infrastructure work and rapid response teams providing relief in the hardest-hit neighbourhoods. However, the crisis has taken a tragic toll, with the death of a woman caused by a wall collapse triggered by the downpour, underscoring the dangers posed by extreme weather.
Repairs, upgrades completed at 166 critical zones in Bengaluru
Repairs and upgrades have been completed in 166 of these critical zones, while 24 sites are currently undergoing treatment. Preparations are underway to begin work on the final 20 hotspots in the coming days. As part of the city’s wider flood mitigation plan, nearly 197 kilometres of new stormwater drains have been constructed to better channel rainwater away from homes and businesses.
Heavy rains lash Bengaluru
Earlier today, sudden heavy rain flooded Bengaluru, especially around Freedom Park, halting traffic and causing long jams. Videos showed vehicles struggling through knee-deep water, highlighting ongoing drainage issues. Areas like Shantinagar, Ashok Nagar, and Wilson Garden also faced disruptions, with slick roads and poor visibility making morning commutes stressful for many residents across the city.
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