Bengaluru: KJ George announces Rs 300 crore short-term plan to avert flooding
Bengaluru: After all the rains and flooding, the BBMP has finally woken up from its slumber. It has come up with a Rs 300 crore short term plan to avert flooding in Bengaluru.
The plan includes three components flood damage correction works, procurement of robotic excavators for cleaning drains and flood rescue operations.
The priority will also be on emergency works to avoid flooding at vulnerable locations.
Briefing the media here on Sunday on measures taken by the government to avert floods in the future, Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George said, “People are of the assumption that we have completed the remodelling works of 842 km stretch of stormwater drains. The works taken up at a cost of Rs 800 crore are still going on and we have completed only half of the project and will complete the remaining portions soon. Along with this long term measure, we have also prepared an action plan at a cost of Rs 300 crore which will be placed for cabinet approval and taken up immediately.”
Unexpected rains main reason for flooding
The Bengaluru Development Minister blamed the unexpected and heavy rainfall for the mess, and said, “In a normal year in August, Bengaluru receives 126mm rain, but this year, the city recorded 249mm. In just two days, September recorded 86mm rains, as against the normal 12mm. Heavy rains flooded low-lying areas as there wasn't proper connectivity between primary drains and stormwater drains.”
He compared Bengaluru with Mumbai and Pune and boasted that the city is far better than these metros.
He also drew a comparison with New York City, saying even the Big Apple gets flooded during heavy rains.
Why is BBMP digging a well when house is on fire?
When media people wanted to know why the BBMP taking up desilting activities during monsoon when it could have been done in summer, Mr George said, “We are not sitting quiet. We are doing all that is needed. We are following all the procedures. To execute any work, a detailed project report (DPR) has to be prepared, following which quotations and tenders will follow. If the tender does not match the 'Standard Rates' (SR Rate), we have to go for re-tendering.”
“Then the project has to pass through a high powered committee and get the cabinet nod. If we miss any of these steps, we are blamed that we have a vested interest and have taken kickbacks,” the minister added.
He said that administrative reforms are needed and asked officials to find out a mechanism to prevent silt from going into the drains during rains again after desilting.
Demolition drive, an ongoing process
On the anti encroachment drive, BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad said that the demolition drive is an ongoing process and pointed out that of 1,953 encroachments identified, 1,255 have been removed.
