HC seeks report on declogging city drains

The High Court of Karnataka on Friday directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to submit a status report on the progress made with regard to the completion of clearing stormwater drains in the city.

Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav issued the direction while hearing a public interest litigation on the maintenance of stormwater drains.

The petition urged the court to order the BBMP and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to maintain a separate drainage for sewage lines and stormwater drains.

The petitioner stated that unchecked sewage discharge, encroachments and consequent clogging had left the stormwater drains in a dismal condition, resulting in serious health hazards.

The BWSSB counsel said they were in the process of setting up more sewage treatment plans. The matter was adjourned to March 15.