The BBMP is gearing up to face the rainy season, its Commissioner M Lakshminarayana said in an interview with Express. Excerpts:
Is the BBMP ready for the monsoon?
We have adequate men and machinery to tackle rain woes. There are two to three teams in each zone and another at the central office. Each team consists of a gangman who will be equipped with machines for cutting trees, pumping diesel and others, along with a Prahari vehicle.
What about desilting storm water drains?
The BBMP has already taken up works to clean the SWDs, especially in low-lying areas. In many areas, parapet walls of SWDs have collapsed, and I have directed the officials concerned to take up reconstruction work once the water flow in these drains decreases. As a temporary measure, sand bags will be kept wherever possible to stop water from gushing into residential areas.
How will the silt be disposed of?
We have identified abandoned quarries in a couple of places, including one at Kengeri, where we dump inert and silt. The silt removed from the drains, will be put next to the SWD for two days until the water content drains out. Later, it will be taken to these quarries.
What about public awareness?
In case of emergencies and complaints, people can contact East zone on 22975803, South 26566362, West 23463366/23561692, Dasarahalli 28394909/22975904, Rajarajeshwari Nagar 28600954, Mahadevapura 28512301/28512300, Yelahanka 22375936/23636671 and Bommanahalli 25735642.