BDA will raze houses to build storm drains

BDA will raze houses to build storm drains
The Times of India

Bangalore: More than 590 houses in JP Nagar VII phase have been identified for demolition by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to make way for storm water drains and wider roads. It is to prevent flooding of areas like Puttenahalli and Dollar Layout.

According to a recently completed BDA survey, the demolition of the houses on 17th Cross will allow construction of a 15-foot-wide and 2.2-kmlong storm water drain, connecting Jaraganahalli tank to the drain flowing through Dollar Layout.

Jaraganahalli-Sarakki tank and the Puttenahalli tank, spread over 32 hectares, have the maximum catchment area in the city and also receive overflowing waters from Kothanur and Chunchungatta tanks.
Water flowing into the Dollar Layout drain, starting from Jayanagar till Bannerghatta and further to Agara, Bellandur and Varthur tanks, floods areas alongside these tanks.

“This storm water drain, from north to east, connects lakes like Puttenahalli, Madiwala, Agara, Bellandur and Varthur. The excess water will flow through this drain, preventing the areas situated along the catchment getting flooded. The widening of roads in JP Nagar area from 20 metres to 45 metres will help us construct this drain,’’ BDA engineers said.

Demolition of buildings is also slated for areas closer to Chunchungatta tank and Kothanur tank.
“Demolition has to be sanctioned by the deputy commissioner (Bangalore Urban). It will be taken up after giving residents a prior notice and due compensation,” another official said.

OPERATION FLOOD
The BMP, minor irrigation department, Lake Development Authority (LDA) and BDA held a meeting on Thursday to chalk out shortterm and long-term plans to control flooding.

Short-term plans include constituting a vigilance team, procuring flood-control equipment, earth-control equipment like excavator and bulldozer. Longterm measures include connecting the lakes to more storm water drains. The minor irrigation department is strengthening and raising existing bunds along 17 lakes under its jurisdiction, with an investment of Rs 1 crore. The bund level has been raised to 2.1 metres above the full tank level, except in Bomandalli, Chennagara and Marsur tanks, where the work will be completed in a week.