Sai Layout faces flood risk again as railway vent work drags on

Bengaluru: Sai Layout in Horamavu, home to over 400 families, is staring at yet another flood crisis, with the long-delayed widening of the railway vent in Geddalahalli still incomplete.

Though the state government sanctioned Rs 40 crore for the project nearly three years ago, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has neither finished the work nor cleared drains or removed silt ahead of the monsoon.

Earlier this week, floodwaters inundated homes for two straight days.

On Tuesday, Vaddarapalya Main Road remained submerged in knee-deep water long after nearby streets dried up. The BBMP deployed an earthmover to divert water into roadside drains, but it lingered well into the evening.

Residents are livid. In areas where the water receded, power outages, snake sightings, and contaminated sumps added to the misery. “I had to carry my aged mother upstairs as water rushed in,” said a resident. “I live on 3rd Cross, far from the drain — this proves the BBMP has done nothing.”

S Thomas, an apartment resident, blamed poor waste management and zero monsoon prep. “Garbage is not collected regularly. Clogged drains and broken roads make it worse. No one seems to care.”

A local pharmacist regretted renting a Rs 11,000-per-month shop without knowing the flood risk. “I have invested Rs 3 lakh in interiors, and much of my stock is destroyed. The stench alone will keep customers away for weeks.”

BBMP Zonal Commissioner KN Ramesh, who visited the area on Tuesday, blamed the layout’s low-lying topography. “Water flows from the Chelekere Lake and meets the rajakaluve near the Hennur–Bagaluru Road. Vent-widening work is underway and will finish in three months,” he claimed.

But residents were not convinced. “We have been hearing this for eight years. What were they doing during the dry months?” one asked.