BBMP allocates Rs 60 cr to make Bengaluru 'flood-free'

Pledging to make Bengaluru flood-free, the BBMP on Saturday set aside Rs 60 crore for managing stormwater drains. Many localities in the city have been witnessing water-logging almost every year, mainly due to the accumulation of silt in the drains or encroachments.

Thulasi Maddineni, Special Commissioner (Finance), BBMP, attributed the flooding to changing rainfall patterns over the years. She said that besides desilting and maintenance of stormwater drains, efforts would be made to identify flood-prone areas and ensure proper draining of rainwater by repairing the small drains that lead to SWDs.

The civic body has allocated Rs 31 crore for the upkeep of lakes, the man-made waterbodies that ensure water security for Bengaluru. Another 10 crore will be spent on fencing the lakes in order to prevent encroachments. There will also be a scheme to encourage companies with a turnover of Rs 100 crore adopt lakes.