After a meeting with BBMP officials, Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar spoke about the government's plans to prevent flooding in Bengaluru.
Published Oct 25, 2024 | 7:46 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 25, 2024 | 1:18 PM
DK Shivakumar talks to media about Bengaluru floods (X)
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Bengaluru Development, DK Shivakumar has announced a series of measures to prevent flooding in the city.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday, 24 October after a meeting with BBMP officials, he explained the plans that were focused on flood prevention and management. The meeting comes in the backdrop of incessant rains that lashed Bengaluru since Monday, 21 October, under the influence of cyclonic circulation that had formed over the Central Andaman Sea.
Key measures the state would be taking include connecting lakes to enhance water flow, a ban on construction within a 50-foot radius of rajakaluves (storm water drains), the development of 300 km of roads alongside rajakaluves, and the survey and demolition of unauthorised and dangerous buildings.
Shivakumar said that he has empowered officials through legislative amendments and ordinances to enforce these measures effectively.
“We have arrived at several important plans to combat flooding in Bengaluru, and I have instructed officials to adhere to these measures,” he stated while speaking to media.
A committee comprising Zonal Commissioners, Chief Engineers, and stormwater drain management officials has been formed to devise solutions for areas prone to flooding during heavy rains. This committee is expected to submit a report within a week.
Shivakumar said that he had instructed officials to devise a plan to connect the city’s lakes to facilitate water flow during rains.
“This would help fill up tanks which have less catchment and help recharge ground water in Bengaluru. I have told the officials to ensure only rain water goes into lakes. We will acquire private lands for the project if need be, by issuing TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) to the land owners,” he said.
Explaining the plan, the Dy CM continued, “Officials have been granted full powers to clear encroachments along Rajakaluves. I have also instructed the installation of sluice gates near lake outlets to ensure the smooth flow of water. The BDA, BBMP, and Lake Development Authority have been tasked with preparing the groundwork.”
DK Shivakumar asserted that construction will be prohibited within a 50-foot radius of all rajakaluves. The identified land will be used to develop roads spanning 300 km, effectively preventing encroachments and creating a buffer zone for water flow during heavy rains. Landowners who relinquish land will receive compensation via TDR.
“Several instances of unauthorised construction have come to BBMP’s notice and I have instructed officials to raze down such buildings. I have told the officials to identify and demolish any unauthorised building that may potentially cause damage to life and property,” he said.
He added, “We have full powers to take necessary action under the Disaster Management Act. We are also planning amendments to restore powers to the BDA, BMTF, BBMP, and BMRDA, which were withdrawn in 2020-21. I have directed the Home Secretary to draft an ordinance to halt unauthorised construction in the city, which will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting.”
BBMP will start conducting a survey of under-construction buildings from Monday, 28 October in collaboration with private entities. would be conducted from Monday by the BBMP and private entities.
Any building lacking necessary authorisations will be halted, with surveying teams capturing photographs and videos of non-compliant structures, monitored through drones.
Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara districts also come under the jurisdiction of BMRDA and BMTF and they have been instructed to stop all unauthorised constructions, he added.
In response to queries regarding the relocation of street vendors, which was previously promised by the Deputy Chief Minister, he stated, “We are preparing a separate action plan for this. Street vendors will not be permitted on pavements. A survey is underway to identify street vendors, and decisions will be made post-survey. Mafia is also involved in this issue, and we are studying various models from other cities.”
Shivakumar recently toured rain-affected areas with BBMP officials, overseeing flood-related works. He claimed that Bengaluru has experienced some of the heaviest rainfall in the past 100-120 years, with many areas receiving 200-300 percent more rain than average.
(Edited by Neena)
