As Bangalore saw continuous showers, the Sai layout flooded again

A street landscape in Sai layout near Hannuru, Bangalore on Sunday. |Photo source: Sudhakara Jain

On Sunday, people wade in the flooded waters of Koramawu’s Sai layout as Bangalore continues to receive early showers, slippers and hiking pants. This is the second time the region has reported this year, even before the monsoon season begins.

Seeing motorists working to pass flooded roads, residents accused authorities of not going to talk during annual complaints about water supply.

“The Regional Commissioner and BBMP Commissioner come here to supervise the pumped water, but once you leave, the work stops,” said Neelufar Ahmed, a resident of Sai Layout. She and other residents face flooding problems every year.

Harish G., also a resident of Sai Layout, said he has been facing the problem for more than 15 years. “Every year, BBMP, BDA and BWSSB come here to provide us with the guarantee of building two large vents that drain water from where we are. No action has been taken so far.”

There are two smaller vents near the SAI layout, but they are too small to take care of the flood. Mr Harish said rainwater from neighboring areas such as Kammanahalli, Lingarajapuram, Hennur, Rt Nagar was discharged into the SAI layout. “I lost hope. I’ve lived for so long.”

BBMP Specialist Visit

BBMP Chief Municipal Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao inspected areas severely affected by Saturday’s rainfall, including the SAI layout. He said the necessary actions will be taken to find permanent solutions to the recurring flood problems in the SAI layout.

“The SAI layout developed by the BDA has been experiencing reservoir problems. Meetings will be held with BDA officials to quickly resolve these issues. The temporary Jackwell Systems will be installed by the BDA as a temporary measure in certain areas in certain areas.”

The Chief Commissioner explained that the SAI layout is at a much lower altitude compared to the adjacent stormwater drainage pool (Rajakaluve), resulting in water accumulation. In addition, the narrow railway vents passing through the drain pipes have been blocking the smooth flow of water. He said coordination with the railway department has begun to expand ventilation holes and directives have been issued to speed up the effort.

In addition to riding a tractor in the SAI layout, he also inspected Nagawara Junction and Manyata Tech Park.