BBMP chief asks officials to be on toes

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: With one downpour on Monday flooding several parts of the city including underpasses and roads, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has come under fire for its negligent approach towards rain preparedness.

Tushar Girinath, BBMP Chief Commissioner has now instructed officials to set up new control rooms in their jurisdiction, coordinate with officials from other civic agencies, establish logging teams for trees and also remain in contact wiht the fire department to tackle any emergency.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru recorded 19.5 mm of rain on Monday. Reports suggest that the city will witness rains till Saturday, May 10.

Bengaluru is also witnessing construciton work on an unprecedented scale, both in the public and private sector.

Palike officials have therefore been directed to co-ordinate with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited to ensure no water logging takes place near metro stations and construction sites.

Desilting and maintenance of Rajakaluves (Storm Water Drains) is a top priority, said Girinath who added that officials have been instructed to keep tabs on road shoulder drains too.

A proposal for setting up 63 temporary control rooms was discussed with higher officials to ensure smooth resolution of complaints.