The state of storm water drains and roadside drains in Bengaluru indicates a lack of proactive measures by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities to prevent stagnation and flooding during the monsoon season. Despite announcements of plans to upgrade underpasses following a tragic incident at KR Circle underpass last year, many areas still require attention.
Roadside Drainage Concerns:
Residents from various neighborhoods, including Benson Town, Kudlu, and Murugeshpalya, express dissatisfaction with the condition of roadside drains. They highlight issues such as:
- Accumulation of garbage in drains.
- Missing or broken concrete slabs.
- Potential hazards for pedestrians, especially during the monsoon.
Citizen Voices:
- A resident from Benson Town emphasizes the need for improvement in roadside drains and the absence of maintenance efforts by the BBMP.
- Similar sentiments are echoed by residents of Kudlu and Murugeshpalya, who emphasize the importance of clearing silt and garbage before the onset of monsoon to prevent flooding and inconvenience to pedestrians.
Concerns Raised by Experts:
Vinod Jacob, the general manager of Namma Bengaluru Foundation, warns of the looming threat of flooding due to neglected storm water drains and choked lakes. The city’s monsoon preparedness is deemed critical, requiring urgent attention from municipal authorities.
The repeated concerns voiced by citizens and experts underscore the pressing need for the BBMP to prioritize infrastructure maintenance and ensure effective storm water management to mitigate the risks posed by the upcoming monsoon season.