Guess who is the real culprit behind Bengalauru flooding?
- One of the reasons for Bengaluru's flooding was encroachment of stormwater drains by BBMP
- This was admitted by Bengaluru district in-charge minister KJ George
- Shantinagar Bus stand that was inundated after the heavy rains had in fact encroached upon the stormwater drain
FollowIn a clear case of fence eating the crop, the Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) that claims to be working tirelessly to clear encroachment to tackle flooding in the city, has found itself a spot. Among the many flooded areas in the City that was battered by heavy rain, BBMP buildings were found to have encroached upon the stormwater drains (SWD) causing floods.
Yes, you read it right. It was in fact admitted by Bengaluru district in-charge minister KJ George explaining the reasons for flooding in the city with the mediapersons.
George said that the BBMP encroached storm water drain on JC Road causing heavy flooding in the area, last week, reports The Times of India. A multi-storey building belonging to the BBMP in Kumbara Gundi Road encroached a stormwater drain causing waterlogging in the city. In fact, this was taken note of by the Karnataka High Court that had rapped the civic agency for not clearing the encroachment. When the Palike had offered to demolish the complex, the court had asked the civic agency to first do the basic evaluation of the building before demolishing it.
Not just that, even the Shantinagar bus stand - a government body - was also built on a stormwater drain. Now, after the bus stand was nearly inundated during the heavy rain, the BBMP is reportedly considering having a new design of the stormwater drain so that it could divert the rainwater to flow out. This too was admitted by George himself, reports The Times of India.
But what is surprising is that despite being in the know of the encroachment by the government agencies, George, who is responsible for Bengaluru's development, has not initiated any action against them for violating laws. And it is the citizens of Bengaluru who find themselves in the water whenever it rains.
