Bengaluru flood mitigation: Deputy CM Shivakumar orders lake connectivity, 50-foot construction ban near drain

Shivakumar convened an emergency meeting with BBMP officials at its headquarters on Thursday to discuss flood management and other issues caused by excessive rain in Bengaluru. In a subsequent press briefing, the Deputy CM shared details about the decisions made and instructions given to officials.

“Today, we have taken significant decisions to mitigate the challenges caused by heavy rainfall in Bengaluru, and I have issued specific directives to the authorities. A separate committee has been formed, including zonal commissioners, chief engineers, and stormwater drain management officials, to design a response plan for areas experiencing waterlogging, with financial estimates required. The committee is expected to submit a report within a week,” he stated.

Connecting lakes for smooth water flow

Shivakumar emphasised a master plan to interconnect all lakes to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater and prevent them from drying up during dry seasons. This measure is also intended to aid groundwater recharge. He stressed that no sewage water would be allowed into the lakes; only rainwater flow will be directed. Private land hindering connectivity will be acquired through the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR).

Ban on construction near stormwater drains

A 50-foot restriction for construction along stormwater drains has been enforced. Identified areas will undergo a 300-kilometer road construction project, with compensation provided to landowners through TDR. This initiative aims to halt encroachments and improve rainwater flow. An initial fund has been allocated for the project’s first phase.

Relief efforts are underway in flood-affected areas, including relocating residents from locations like Central Vihar. Some families have resisted relocation, and officials have been instructed to assist them as needed.

Demolition of unauthorized buildings

The Deputy CM announced immediate action against unauthorised constructions. An illegal structure with a 5-storey building on a 10×25 plot in Nanjappa Garden has already been marked for demolition. He directed that each zone should address illegal, substandard, and hazardous structures, as these threaten public safety.

“Under the Disaster Management Act, the government has full authority to take over any property and take necessary action. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), BBMP, and Lake Development Authority will prepare the required infrastructure to ensure floodwater can flow smoothly through gates installed at crucial points,” he said.

Survey of buildings starting on Monday

From Monday, a survey of both private and BBMP-constructed buildings will commence to identify any illegal constructions. Unauthorised buildings will be prevented from continuing construction. Photos and videos of each building will be collected, with drones used to supervise under the joint commissioners’ guidance.

Instructions have been given to curb unauthorised building constructions in Bengaluru Urban, Rural, and Ramanagara districts under Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) and Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) jurisdictions. Storm drains will be cleared of silt, and steps are in place to resolve the issues highlighted by Shivakumar.

Survey of street vendors to find alternative solutions

Addressing concerns over street vendors occupying pedestrian pathways, Shivakumar shared plans to conduct a survey to determine alternative arrangements. He mentioned that unauthorized street vendor activities, including those involving the mafia, have been flagged and that a model system adopted in other states and countries would be reviewed.

Heavy rainfall beyond normal levels

“In the light of unprecedented rainfall, BBMP officials have been actively managing the situation day and night. This year’s rains have been historic, the heaviest in the last 100 years, with some areas receiving 200-300% above normal rainfall. As of October, 156mm has been recorded, higher than average, though not exceeding the 1997 (178mm) and 1999 (256mm) records,” he noted.

Apart from a building collapse that led to the tragic death of eight workers and the drowning of two children in a lake, Shivakumar confirmed there had been no other fatalities directly related to the rain.