Slew of measures to prevent flooding in Bengaluru: ಡಿಸಿಎಂ

Connecting lakes to facilitate water flow

No construction within 50 feet of rajakaluve

Survey and demolition of unauthorised and dangerous building

Bengaluru, October 25: Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday announced a slew of measures including connecting lakes to prevent flooding in Bengaluru.

Addressing a press conference after holding a meeting with BBMP officials on prevention and management of flooding in Bengaluru, he said he has given an array of instructions to the officials in order to avoid flooding in the future.

The measures include connecting the lakes, banning construction within 50 feet radius of rajakaluve, construction of 300 km of roads along rajakaluves, survey and demolition of perilous and unauthorised buildings and more power to officials through legislative amendments or ordinances.

“We have taken several important decisions to prevent flooding in Bengaluru and I have ordered the officials to follow those measures strictly. We have formed a committee including Zonal Commissioners, Chief Engineers and officials managing storm water drains to chalk out solutions for areas frequently flooded due to heavy rains. The committee has been instructed to submit a report within a week.

Connecting lakes
“I have instructed officials to prepare a plan to connect lakes in the city to facilitate flow of water 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 to the land owners,” he explained.

“The officials have been given full powers to clear encroachments of rajakaluve. I have also instructed them to fix sluice gates near the lake outlets to ensure smooth flow of water. BDA, BBMP and Lake Development Authority have been instructed to prepare the ground work.

No construction zone in 50 feet radius of rajakaluve
Construction will be banned in the 50 feet radius of all rajakaluve. The land around rajakaluve has been identified and it would be to develop roads spanning 300 km. This will stop encroachments of rajakaluves and also ensure buffer zone for water flow during heavy rains. The land owners who will part land for this will be compensated with TDR.

Demolition of unauthorised buildings
“Several instances of unauthorised construction have come to the notice of BBMP and I have instructed the 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.

“We have sull powers to take necessary action under the Disaster Management Act. We are also planning to bring amendments to give more powers to BDA, BMTF, BBMP, BMRDA as well. These organisations had such powers before but it was withdrawn during 2020-21. We have decided to give those powers again. I have instructed the Home Secretary to bring out an ordinance to stop unauthorised construction in the city. This will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting,” he said.

Survey of under-construction buildings from Monday
A survey of under-construction buildings would be conducted from Monday by the BBMP and private entities. If any building is being built without necessary authorizations, it would be stopped. The surveying teams would take photographs and videos of such buildings and the entire process will be monitored through drones, he said.

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.

Alternate arrangements for street vendors
Asked about lack of progress in street vendor relocation which was promised by the DCM in the past, he said, “We are preparing a separate action plan for it. It has been decided not to allow street vendors on the pavements. I will provide details about this on another occasion. A survey is taking place to identify street vendors. We will take a decision post the survey. There is a mafia also behind this. We are also studying various models in other cities.”

Heavier than usual rains
“I took out a tour of the rain affected areas along with BBMP officials. I oversaw the works and all the officials worked overtime to resolve flooding related issues. The city has received some of the highest rains in the last 100-120 years. In many areas, rainfall is 200-300% higher. Some parts received about 157 mm rain. Records show that Bengaluru had received 178 mm in 1997, 256 mm in 1999.

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