Heavy rains on Monday wreaked havoc in several areas of East Bengaluru, causing severe waterlogging and traffic snarls. BTM, Hulimavu, Bannerghatta, Marathahalli, Mahadevapura, Outer Ring Road, and other areas were particularly affected. Varthur, Bellandur, and Halanayakanahalli lakes also overflowed due to the downpour. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru received 21 mm of rainfall on Monday. Jagadish Reddy, a lake activist, expressed concerns about the condition of Varthur Lake. He said, "Varthur is in shambles. The reason is the encroachment of stormwater drains. Drains that were supposed to be 60 feet wide have been reduced to 15 feet, disregarding the norms of the National Green Tribunal. These encroachments have blocked the drains, causing hardships for residents in Prakash Layout, Chinnappa Layout, and Meenakshi Layout. The devastation is man-made." The IMD has predicted light to moderate rain in Bengaluru until June 16. Last week, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar inspected the drainage system at Yemalur and visited Varthur lake. Shivakumar instructed officials to ensure the drains maintain a minimum width and to remove any encroachments. In the previous year, heavy rainfall resulted in inundation of gated communities at Rainbow Layout and Divyadsree Apartments. Shivakumar highlighted the importance of wider stormwater drains, saying, "Be it DK Shivakumar apartment or Divyasree apartment, the drains should have a minimum width."
