BENGALURU: After the deluge comes a sliver of good news. Chief Commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Maheshwar Rao on Thursday said that a loan amount of Rs 1,600 crore has been approved by World Bank and now the BBMP will start the works related to the Storm Water Drain (SWD) project.
The loan was sought and approved for the specific purpose and the plan is to ensure the stormwater is taken out from Bengaluru City without any flooding and reaches the river network in the city outskirts, he said.
The Chief Commissioner also said a special meeting will be held with the Revenue Department Secretary regarding removal of encroachment of SWDs, which is a continuous process and the palike is doing it.
Further, BBMP Engineer-In-Chief and in-charge Stormwater Drains, BS Prahallad said, 173.9 kilometres of stormwater drain in the city outskirts remained unlinked. “We will have to concrete the stormwater drain and construct a retaining wall. The gaps will be covered. Tender bids were called and the same was placed before the monitoring committee, financial bids will be called shortly and work will be taken up,” he said.
Meanwhile, the revenue department also has submitted a report to BBMP after surveying the Rajakaluve. After deploying surveyors, it has confirmed encroachment of 416 SWDs across the City and has given the report to BBMP to take up further action like eviction and reclamation of the storm water drains.
The revenue department had received 1,023 complaints two years ago, out of which, district administration found encroachments on 416 SWDs. The Special Deputy Commissioner of Revenue Department stated that 607 encroachment cases are pending and the order for the same is expected to be completed and shared with the municipality soon.
The revenue officials have tossed the ball in to the municipality’s court in 416 cases and said, it is up to the municipal authority to serve eviction notice, take police action and clear the encroachments on stormwater drains.
173.9 km of stormwater drain in the city outskirts remain unlinked
BBMP to concrete stormwater drain and construct a retaining wall
416 encroachments of SWDs across Bengaluru City
Now, BBMP faces the challenge of eviction and reclamation of stormwater drains
BBMP gives Rs 5 L ex gratia to tree fall victim's kin
BBMP officials handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh to the family members of Modala Giriyappa, who was crushed to death when a large branch of a tree fell on him in Koramangala, earlier this week. Giriyappa (48) was riding pillion with a friend, when the incident occurred. Due to the impact of the branch falling on his head, the helmet he was wearing broke into pieces, killing him on the spot. Specifically, the incident took place at Printo Junction on 60-feet Road, Koramangala 1st Block, on Wednesday.
The victim’s family was given ex-gratia as per municipal corporation norms. Adugodi Police attributed strong winds causing the branch to fall on the two-wheeler. Meanwhile, the rider, Ramesh, escaped unhurt. According to BBMP, this is the fourth rain-related death since Monday. The Palike has also advised the public, especially motorists, not to venture out during heavy rain and wait until the water recedes. Similarly, it advised citizens not to take shelter under old trees and dilapidated structures.
63 City lakes reach full capacity amid showers
With Bengaluru City experiencing copious rain recently, including record rainfall of 105.5 mm early morning on Monday, 63 of its 183 lakes have reached full capacity. According to BBMP Special Commissioner, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Management, Preeti Gehlot, the total storage capacity of the lakes within BBMP limits is 32,514 million litres.
In April 2025, the overall water storage had declined to 10,595 million litres, with only three lakes full. Around 63 lakes neared complete dryness at the time. “Following a week of steady rainfall in the city, the lakes have collectively stored approximately 26,056 million litres of water -- a substantial increase, compared to April 2025 levels. As a result, 63 lakes under BBMP limits are now full,” Preeti said.