BENGALURU: More than the rain misery, it was the apathy shown by civic officials that left many Bengalureans fuming on Friday evening. While people desperately approached BBMP for help, they were told: “En madodhu...swalpa adjust madkoli” (what to do..bear with it a little).
Anushree Rao of BEML Layout in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, which witnessed heavy rain, told STOI: “Trouble began around 5pm when water from the nearby drain overflowed and started gushing into our houses. We could see the refrigerator, electronic gadgets and wardrobes being inundated by dirty water and started calling BBMP for help. But we were told ‘swalpa adjust madkoli’ and assured the problem would be fixed before the next bout of rain.”
BBMP received over 1,800 distress calls from across Bengaluru in a span of four hours on Friday evening. A majority were from RR Nagar, Girinagar, Kengeri and nearby areas; the callers sought the agency’s help in preventing water from entering their homes. Some calls were made after snakes were found inside houses.
Residents say it wasn’t the first time that houses were flooded and it’s common during the rainy season. However, the situation was a lot worse this year. They blamed it on drain encroachment. “Every time we complain about it, BBMP officials visit the area and assure us of rectifying the issue. But they don’t return and push us into misery again,” rued a resident of Gurudutta Layout.
Pavan Kaushik, a software engineer and resident of RR Nagar, said his house was flooded with water up to 4 feet and his family is yet to pick up the pieces.
Lake encroachment causing flooding: Official
Siddaramaiah, BBMP assistant engineer, RR Nagar, admitted that encroachment of Bheemanakatte Lake is leading to flooding of the area. “A layout has come up on the lake bed. Water flows to this area, leading to problems. We are co-ordinating with other agency officials to build another outlet for the drain to reduce flow.” When asked whether he was aware of the problem, he said he came to the area just four months ago and didn’t know about it.
Raghavendra R, assistant executive engineer (SWD), RR Nagar, said the problem has existed for a long time. “We visited the area on Saturday morning and will address it,” he added.
VEXED VOICES
“Why don’t they (officials) anticipate problems and take corrective measures instead of asking us to live with them? For how many more years will they keep asking us to adjust?
Anushree Rao, resident of BEML Layout
The drain next to our house has been encroached and a sewage line has been attached to it. With the drain being clogged, its water enters our house. We have been suffering for eight years
Pavan Kaushik, resident of RR Nagar