In ST Bed, Palike contributes to flooding of over 100 houses

More than 100 houses at ST Bed Layout in Koramangala 4th Block were flooded due to an opening in the retaining wall of a stormwater drain (SWD) made by the BBMP for desilting works and construction of a retaining wall.

About 10 days ago, the BBMP blocked the SWD near 8th cross in ST Bed to construct a retaining wall. Officials had also opened a part of the existing wall to take excavators inside the SWD channel to clear the garbage and silt. As the rain battered the area on Tuesday, the water in the drain started overflowing, submerging nearby roads and flooding houses.

Residents noted that the desilting was necessitated by dumping of garbage in the SWD. “Days after discount sales by online marketing companies, thermocol and packaging materials had virtually covered the whole drain in some places. However, the BBMP took its time to notice the problem despite many complaints,” said Vikram Ponnappa, a resident of the area.

Another resident, Prashanth K Rao, asked why the BBMP took up the desilting and civic works during the rainy season. “It is common sense that drains should be ready before the beginning of Monsoon. Why the BBMP decided to take up this work at this time is beyond anyone’s grasp,” he said.

BBMP Chief Engineer (SWD) K Siddegowda admitted there was flooding due to the blockage but said the major reason was the collapse of two compound walls of vacant sites along the SWD.  “We took up the work considering that there were no rains in the last few weeks. 

Sewage pumps under maintenance
Prabhu Rao, a resident of ST Bed Layout, said he called the BWSSB’s sewage pumping station to clear the floodwater only to hear that the pumps were under maintenance. “Every time there is a flood situation, we hear that the pumps can’t function,” he added. However, BWSSB Chairman Tushar Girinath said the pumping station has saved Koramangala area from flooding throughout the season. “Today, water entered the pumping station at Koramangala Sports Complex, following which the pumps required maintenance. Hence, we couldn’t operate them.”