CM sets Dec deadline for stormwater drains

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday set a December deadline for completion of the 345-km stormwater drain (SWD) work.

Siddaramaiah told reporters at his official residence Krishna that this is part of the 845-km stretch of stormwater drain work. “The remaining 500 km will be completed within two years,” said Siddaramaiah.

The state government has allotted an additional amount of Rs 117 crore for the project. "Vulnerable areas prone to waterlogging will be taken up at first," he said.

Bengaluru Development Minister K J George had allotted Rs 300 crore in September for completion of the work.

“We have been using robotic excavators to desilt drains. We have three machines and plan to buy two more to speed up work. We also plan to install sluice gates at all lakes to prevent flooding during overflow,” said Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) commissioner N Manjunath Prasad.

Along with the problem of potholes, the city is grappling with stormwater drains filled with silt and garbage, leading to water logging in many areas. Besides this, people also dump debris in public spaces, the chief minister said.

He said, “The city will be debris-free, pothole-free and silt-free (from stormwater drains) as we plan to build a task force to spot those who dump garbage and debris in public places.”

He also said CCTV cameras will be installed in every ward at a cost of Rs 10 lakh since this was the mayor's priority when he assumed office.

 Highlights

1) HSR layout and Koramangala to get Rs 25 crore each

2) KR Puram to get Rs 30 crore

3) Yeshwantpur to get Rs 20 crore

4) Three robotic excavators to cost Rs 20 crore