Deaths expose BBMP's poor rain preparedness

The Sunday’s rain which killed two people near Johnson Market in a wall collapse, has exposed the poor monsoon preparedness of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike. While Kareem (45) from Yelagunte died on the spot, Jumman Raja (10) breathed his last in the hospital. The BBMP announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each to both families of both the deceased.

Monsoon has already entered the country and may reach Bengaluru soon. But the Palike is yet to identify compound walls and trees, that are weak and likely to collapse. Also, many problematic areas like the one at Kino Theatre, known for water stagnation, remain unrepaired, while pipeline works are still under progress in many areas.

When contacted, BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad attributed the deaths to dilapidated Johnson Market. He said he could not visit the spot as he was held-up near Bellandur. He however said that the civic agency had taken all measures for monsoon. He said the Palike was identifying areas which had been problems for the past few years. “We have set up 10 control rooms and response teams at 64 sub-divisions. The control rooms will have support staff and equipment for quick response.”

Prasad said the pipeline works near Kino Theatre will be completed in 10 days. “We are in the process of linking the pipe to a slope near Mantri Mall. Once it is done, there will be no flooding or water logging in the area.”