BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao inspects a flooded stretch at Sai Layout on Sunday.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Bengaluru: BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao, who took charge recently, inspected Sai Layout and several other flood-hit areas on Sunday.
He said the civic body had taken temporary measures in places prone to recurring flooding. The situation in Sai Layout was so severe that the commissioner had to use a tractor to inspect the area.
Speaking to reporters, Rao said that Sai Layout was situated at a much lower elevation compared to the adjoining stormwater drain (rajakaluve), leading to water accumulation.
“Also, the narrow railway vent through which the drain passes has been obstructing smooth water flow. Coordination with the railways has already begun to widen the vent, and instructions have been issued to expedite the work,” he said. During the inspection, residents of Sai Layout submitted their grievances, proposing a temporary sump to store excess water during the rainy season.
“Under disaster management provisions, waterlogged houses will be identified, and compensation or relief will be provided accordingly," the BBMP boss said.
Rao also inspected the flood-hit area near Embassy Manyata Business Park. He directed officials to conduct a joint meeting with stakeholders from Manyata, EBS IT Park, Manpho, and Karle InfraTech to initiate the construction of a new stormwater drain.
He visited Nagawara Junction, where metro construction is underway and which is prone to frequent flooding. The BBMP chief also inspected Thanisandra, another flood-hit area.
Apart from flooding, tree falls during the rains have raised concerns. On Sunday alone, the BBMP received 19 tree fall complaints and 50 reports of fallen branches.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Bengaluru city observatory recorded 10.3 mm of rainfall until 8.30 pm on Sunday, while the automatic weather station for Bengaluru Urban recorded 11 mm during the same period.
Temperatures down
The persistent rainfall over the last few days has brought down the mercury considerably.
On Sunday, the Bengaluru city observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 29.4°C, which is 3.8°C below the average. The minimum temperature stood at 21°C, 0.7°C lower than normal, according to the IMD.
Yellow alert for 4 days
The weather department has issued a yellow alert until Thursday, forecasting thunderstorms for Bengaluru and surrounding areas.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 40–50 kmph, while temperatures will remain between 20°C and 30°C. Wind speeds are likely to decrease from Friday onwards.