Flood management is BMP’s mission

Flood management is BMP’s mission
Deccan Herald

Following a series of review meetings headed by new BMP Commissioner K Jairaj, it has been decided to speed up desilting in 33 identified ‘vulnerable’ po-ints along the 257 km stretch of Storm Water Drains.

The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has launched a ‘Flood management and mitigation programme’, that aims at preventing the floods like that were witnessed last year.

Following a series of review meetings headed by new BMP Commissioner K Jairaj, it has been decided to speed up desilting in 33 identified ‘vulnerable’ po-ints along the 257 km stretch of Storm Water Drains. Ejipura in Koramangala, Nayandahalli at the junction of Ring Road-Mysore Road and Central Silk Board have been identified as ‘highly vulnerable’, where there is flooding even when the rainfall is below normal.

As many as 11 points were identified as prone to flooding during average rainfall and 19 points where flooding could happen in case of maximum rainfall.

In all identified points, desilting and obstruction of debris through fencing will be taken up, the deadline being May 31.

According to senior BMP officials, the progress report on the upgradation work has to be submitted everyday to the Engineer-in-Chief. In case of heavy rains, ward engineers have been directed to be present at these identified points to control overflow, sources revealed. Sand bags will be placed at all these points to avoid flooding.

Debris removal

The BMP is planning to procure advanced debris removal equipment that can suck out debris from storm water drains.

Two sets of equipment, each costing Rs 70 lakh, will be taken on hire. “We have identified dumping points along the storm water drain where the flow of rainwater is hampered and can cause flooding. We will use these machines at these points and later fence these parts, to avoid further dumping. Meanwhile, we are also looking at creating alternative dumping sites in every ward where residents can dump paying a nominal charge. However, space is a constraint, but we are working at it,” revealed a BMP chief engineer.

BMP’s ACTION PLAN

33 points along SWD vulnerable for flooding

Desilting and upgradation works at these points on priority basis

Strengthening of BMP control rooms

Additional SWORD vehicles will be pressed into service

Labour and rescue vehicles will be outsourced

A few residents in every ward will be selected and trained for flood rescue operations