DCM DKS pays surprise visit, promises swift action for rain woes

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Following heavy rains that pounded Bengaluru overnight on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar conducted an unannounced visit to the war room of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) at Hudson Circle.

There, he assessed the city's situation, evaluated disaster relief efforts, and monitored the impact of the heavy rainfall. During the inspection, Shivakumar urged officials to promptly address the grievances of affected citizens and looked at detailed reports of rain across the city.

He highlighted specific high rainfall areas such as Jakkuru, Nandini Layout, Nagenahalli, Kottigepalya, Guttahalli, and Ghadi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, where incessant rain led to perennial traffic issues.

Shivakumar stressed on how officials need to be on the spot to address issues raised by residents. He also highlighted the importance of the water levels in Rajakaluves (Storm Water Drains).

A team from the commissioner’s office has been deployed to curb traffic snarls on Airport road, Shivakumar informed the press. Noting that underpasses were closed at several locations, Shivakumar affirmed the proactive response of the war room team upon receiving complaints.

Sewage water had entered roadways in many areas, causing significant inconvenience to motorists. BBMP war room officials informed Shivakumar of drainage issues at 18 locations, with ten complaints received and six already resolved.

The Deputy Chief Minister wanted officials to be alert amid the unpredictable weather, while also stressing the immediate responsiveness of the BBMP war room team in addressing citizen complaints as they arise.

Engineers to be deployed in every ward: BBMP official

In a move to minimize damage caused by heavy rainfall, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has deployed an engineer for each of the 225 wards in the city on Monday.

In a meeting held with senior officials, administrator Rakesh Singh ordered that every engineer be appointed to each ward, by the Zonal Commissioner.

This comes in the wake of the forecast by the India Meteorological Department, (IMD) predicting heavy rainfall for the next few days. These Engineers are responsible to prepare a list of houses which are prone to flooding, clear the silt in the drains, and be on the spot for customer redressal.

Singh, in the meeting also instructed officials to remove the sluice gates in both Bellandur and Varthur lakes, as heavy downpour is predicted in the Mahadevapura zone.

The BBMP also ensured Zonal commissioners contact with Fire and Safety department incase of emergency.