BMP to raze bridges connecting ST Bed and Koramangala

BMP to raze bridges connecting ST Bed and Koramangala

The Hindu

Pillars supporting the bridges are causing flooding in the area, says the civic body

# There has been flooding in the area only during the last four years, say residents
# The bridges were constructed by the PWD with the cost borne by residents
# Residents want modifications wherever possible, instead of demolishing the entire bridge

Bangalore: The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) is all set to demolish the bridges connecting Koramangala and Shinivagalu Tank (ST) Bed above the storm water drain. The reason: the pillars that support the bridges are the ones causing flooding in the area, according to the BMP.

Residents, who are living in the area for several years are not convinced. "I have been living in the area for 25 years now. Flooding of the surrounding areas has happened only in the last three to four years," said a resident who did not want to be named.

There is one main storm water drain that runs between Koramangala and ST Bed. The drain takes a curve along its path near ST Bed area. As such, water would flow back in this particular area and spill over onto Belandur watershed. It would then flow down to the Belandur Tank.

But recently, a narrow sewage drain was created by raising the level of the adjoining area, which is the Belandur watershed area. Now, the water from the main storm water drain that used to flow onto the Belandur watershed, floods the ST Bed area.

But the BMP has a different story to tell. "There are multiple vents in the pillars. Garbage gets stuck in these vents. Stup Consultants, who we have assigned to survey the area, say that this blockage is the reason for flooding. So we will demolish the bridges and construct them all over again," said a BMP official.

The catch, residents say, is that according to the drawings of the proposed bridges, the storm water drain is 60-foot long, as opposed to the existing 30 feet. "If work begins according to the plans, then houses along the drain will have to be demolished," said a resident.

The bridges in existence now were constructed by the Public Works Department after detailed planning and with the money that the residents paid then. "We are willing to bear the expenses now. But we want to be convinced that the bridges need remodelling," said a resident.

The residents are demanding that each bridge should be inspected and plans be made for each of them. Wherever possible, modifications must be done instead of demolishing the entire bridge, say the residents.

A meeting with Harsh Gupta, Joint Commissioner (Works) is scheduled for Wednesday.