Bengaluru floods: The IT hub city became synonymous with rivers and streams after heavy downpours lashed the city last month.
After an overnight rainfall on August 30, several key areas in Bengaluru like Sarjapur and Outer Ring Road were left inundated.
This has once again raised questions about proper city planning, drainage system and climate resilience.
Unbelievable visuals of flooding came to the surface showing roads turned into streams, cars and other vehicles submerged, and flood water entering houses, this has now become a big debate in the country.
After inspection and a visit by Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, it was found that encroachments and illegal settlements on the stormwater drain were the main cause of Bengaluru flooding.
Erratic monsoon systems have become a common phenomenon with climate change.
It becomes necessary to go climate resilient when it comes to buildings and other infrastructure in the city.
The illegal construction blocked the flow of rainwater, leading to its stagnation. Moreover, Mr Bommai has directed the authorities to remove all such properties that have encroached on the drains.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru received 370 mm of rainfall. This falls only a little short of the all-time record of 387.1 mm of rainfall, it was in August 1998.
Bengaluru is also known as India’s Silicon Valley; the city has faced relentless monsoon rains that have led to a crippling situation when it comes to transportation and business operations.
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