With tardy progress on unclogging sewage lines and clearing garbage, the city again faces the prospect of flooding this monsoon.
In the past few weeks, teams from the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority have visited lakes in Bellandur, Varthur, Madiwala, and found the preparedness wanting.
“These areas are prone to flooding. We noticed slow progress on work undertaken by the BBMP, BDA, and BWSSB,’’ an official in the lake body told DH.
However, the lake authority believes the intensity of flooding could be lower than in previous years as some encroachments have been cleared, and pipes and drains cleaned up in places.
Seema Garg, new CEO of the lake authority, said it had issued notices to the BBMP, BDA and BWSSB to keep the vicinity of water bodies free of sewage and garbage.
“Another set of letters will be sent out to the lake custodians, under the KLCDA Act, urging them to take measures to prevent flooding this time,’’ she said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Bengaluru Development Minsiter K J George, besides members of a legislative standing committee, have also visited the lakes and expressed displeasure over the delay in cleaning.
In May alone, Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia had held two meetings seeking details of flood preparedness, especially in areas around Bellandur, Varthur and Madiwala lake
Vulnerable areas
Madiwala and Puttenahalli lake areas are in danger of flooding, according to lake authority officials.
“The outlet at Sarakki is at a low level. We had placed a rejuvenation proposal, but it remains on paper,” an official said.
The Kodichikkanahalli diversion drain is also not done, and it could flood when it rains.
“Sewage lines near Madiwala lake have also not been cleaned,” the official said.
He added that if Madiwala lake overflows, areas near the Agara and Bellandur lakes will also be flooded.
“This happened last year. Seven days after flooding near Madiwala lake, the Bellandur area was flooded. The drain from KR Market to Bellandur has not be cleaned, and this will pose a problem. The Agara stormwater drain is filled with silt,” he explained.
A forest department official said the BBMP has started clearing garbage only a week ago.
“A lot of waste has already flowed into the drains. Since the areas around Madiwala, Agara, Puttenahalli and Bellandur are low-lying, flooding can happen. Hulimavu lake is already full and will overflow with another heavy downpour,” he said.
The Urban Development department has created 90-degree turns for sewage at Someshwara Colony near Silk Board. The absence of smooth curves could lead to problems, he said.
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