Even a drizzle results in flooding

Even a drizzle results in flooding

The Hindu

Residents of Rajmahal Vilas II Stage say prayers when it starts raining

BANGALORE: In the posh Rajmahal Vilas II Stage, Varuna Japa, a prayer to the rain god, has taken an all too different meaning. With even a drizzle leaving the storm water drain blocked and houses flooded, the last the residents wish is rainfall.

"When it starts raining, we start praying. This is because we know for sure that our houses will get flooded. All our home appliances, beddings and even our vehicles get submerged," said Padma Sreenivasa, an affected resident of the 1st Cross in RMV II Stage.

During Monday's rain, two cars were submerged in the three-ft water that collected in the basements of two houses. The cars had to be towed away for repairs.

"Our road acts like a valley for rain water that flows all along from Bhadrappa Layout, New BEL Road, Indian Institute of Science and surrounding areas. Monday's rain, though not heavy, again proved to be a bitter experience. We started our day with water, slush and dirt in the basements and compounds," V. Satyamurthy, president of the residents' welfare association of 2nd and 4th Main Roads in RMV II Stage, said.

The residents have been facing this problem for the fifth time in the last three years.

"Last year flooding caused many problems. Though we have complained to the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) several times, it has been of no use," Mala Bhat and Hiranmayi, whose kitchens were also flooded during the recent rain, said.

Pointing out that the main storm water drain on 1st Cross in RMV II Stage cannot carry the heavy load of water, Ms. Mala said: "The drain gets blocked and overflows into our houses. No vehicle can pass through this road till the rain stops. But it is surprising that within 15 minutes after rain stops, water recedes and one cannot believe that it is same road that was flooded."

"All that the BMP needs to do is properly plan and divert water flowing into this drain to some other drain. This will save us from all flooding problems," Mr. Satyamurthy said.

When contacted, BMP Joint Commissioner (West) M.A. Khalid said the flooding was because the tertiary drain and the main storm water drain are at the same level. "I inspected the area and found that the outlet of the tertiary drain is let into the storm water drain causing a backlash," he said.

Pointing out that the drain needs to be deepened, Mr. Khalid said: "I have brought this to the notice of Commissioner K. Jairaj and he has directed the engineers to immediately start work."