The State government has drawn up a master plan to develop over 840 km of storm water drains in Bangalore as a lasting solution to the flooding of homes and the city’s streets during monsoon.
Besides this, in a written response to a calling attention notice served by the BJP members Ashwath Narayan, Tara Anuradha and Doddarangegowda in the legislative council on Monday, IT-BT Minister and House leader S R Patil stated on behalf of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah: “Arrangements have been made to see that BBMP joins hands with the State Disaster Management Department to resolve rain issues. A 20-member team has been kept on 24/7 duty to rush and clear traffic blocked by uprooting of trees during rains. Potential flooding areas have been identified. The BBMP has established 24-hour control rooms manned by 13 emergency vehicles and 200 gangmen to receive complaints and grievances.”
The members said in their notice that the citizens of Bangalore, especially those living in the low-lying areas, were put to untold miseries following the recent rains, which had also claimed lives of a few.
Patil said: “Due to the topography of the city, there are several areas which face flood-like situations during heavy rains. The main storm water drains overflow and we have worked out a comprehensive plan to find a lasting solution. A master plan has been worked out after eliciting opinions from experts. The storm water drains will be developed in stages over the next few years.”
Desilting, removal of encroachments, replacement of old bridges and culverts are also part of this master plan, he said.