BMP getting ready to tackle rain woes

BMP getting ready to tackle rain woes

The Hindu

Last year, the suburbs remained hit for two weeks

# Another problem the BMP has to deal with is that of falling trees and branches when it rains
# Citizens asked to inform control rooms of dead branches and old trees
# The following phone numbers may be contacted: 22221188, 26566362, 22975803, 23341692, 22485317, 22975626 and 22975748

Bangalore: Last year's agony need not be repeated in view of the pre-monsoon showers sounding a warning to Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP).

The civic body is trying to arm itself to deal with any flash floods that may damage property or disrupt communications.

Falling trees

An immediate concern is about trees and branches falling.

BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj has issued a circular to all zonal commissioners and senior officers to remain alert to the possibility of floods and take up appropriate preventive and relief measures as the situation requires.

Last year, the southern parts of the city and the suburbs coming under some city municipal councils remained cut off for more than two weeks.

The police, fire services and home guards had to deploy improvised rafts to rescue marooned families.

The BMP too had to shelter many displaced families in schools and other public buildings and arrange for their food.

Another problem the BMP has to deal with during the rainy season is that of falling trees and branches, often blocking roads and sometimes damaging buildings and parked vehicles.

The Deputy Conservator of Forests attached to the BMP has asked citizens to inform the control rooms about dead branches and old trees in public lands, along roadsides and in parks which may be in danger of falling.

Rain in the beginning of the monsoon season is accompanied by strong gales and there is likelihood of old and dead branches of trees falling, the BMP has cautioned.

Information about trees and branches which may fall with strong winds or rainfall can be passed on through the following telephone numbers for speedy action: Head Office Control Room 22221188, South Control Room 26566362, East Control Room 22975803, West Control Room 23341692, Office of Deputy Conservator of Forests 22485317, Horticulture Superintendent (West) 22975626 and South 22975748.