Waterlogging near Yelahanka. (Right) Rainwater accumulates on the stretch between Nagawara and Hebbal.
DH PHOTO
Bengaluru: A 33-foot-wide rajakaluve in Nagawara narrows to just six feet at a sharp 90-degree turn near a major tech park, triggering floods along the Hebbal valley in North Bengaluru with every spell of rain.
The encroachment inundates service roads, Outer Ring Road, and nearby establishments, causing traffic snarls and disrupting pedestrian movement, including for tech workers.
Despite the recurring chaos, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has failed to clear the encroachments. While officials cite an ongoing court case for the delay, insiders allege political pressure is shielding the violators.
As per the 1869 village map and revenue records, the secondary stormwater drain originates in Voddanapalya, runs through Nagawara, and empties into the Mariyanna Palya Bruhat Kaluve (Nagawara kere kodi in Thanisandra) — a route traceable on Google Maps until 2012.
Locals allege a prominent builder blocked the drain and influenced the reclassification of adjoining government land from kharif to kaal daari (pathway), enabling construction that worsens flooding at Manyata Tech Park, Manpho Convention Centre, and nearby areas.
Notably, the now-withdrawn Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2031 acknowledged the existence of this drain, and the Koliwad Committee Report (2014–2017) flagged the encroachment. Yet, despite multiple inspections after every flood, no corrective action has followed.
This rajakaluve falls within the Byatarayanapura assembly constituency, represented by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.