NEW DELHI: Even after a night without rain in Bengaluru, Sai Layout in North Bengaluru remains considerably waterlogged on Wednesday.

The area’s vulnerability as a low-lying residential zone with persistent drainage problems is evident. The recent 140 mm rainfall from late Sunday night through Tuesday has caused extensive flooding citywide, with Sai Layout residents bearing significant impact. Ground and first-floor dwellings remain unreachable, whilst civic authorities continue rescue and relief work.Currently, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) teams are working to clear drains and remove stagnant water. However, residents have voiced concerns about the slow progress of these operations.“For the past three days, it has been a distressing experience. A single instance of rainfall caused a nearly five-foot increase in water levels, inundating our entire home. We also lack access to potable water because the sump has been contaminated,” said Surya, an IT professional living in the area. He noted that flooding occurs regularly during rainfall.A resident mentioned, “The absence of electricity for three days has rendered even those of us capable of working remotely unable to do so.”Residents express frustration over the political blame game regarding long-term solutions. Many point out that state and central governments avoid responsibility, particularly regarding a small railway culvert that routinely blocks during rain.A resident told PTI, “BBMP states that they are unable to clear the vent as it falls under the jurisdiction of Indian Railways, while railway officials have reportedly denied receiving any such request. This impasse has become a recurring justification, with no tangible progress observed year after year.”The flooding has severely damaged the Shirdi Saibaba Temple, the area’s namesake. Temple chairman Dayananda stated, “The entire temple has been damaged, and documents have been washed away. The generator, on which I invested 6.5 lakhs, is irreparable. Owing to inadequate planning, all the water from Hebbal is now being diverted here. Twenty years ago, this area was merely a jungle. I established this place with faith, and now the residents wish to leave.”Long-term resident Ramesh highlighted the ongoing drainage issues. “BBMP officials are present, but their progress is very slow. The primary issue is the railway track vent, which is insufficiently wide to allow proper water flow. A larger culvert is necessary to prevent our problems from persisting.”Families with flooded ground-floor homes remain reluctant to leave, citing lack of alternative accommodation. Many stay to protect their belongings. Residents report insufficient evacuation support or temporary shelter from government authorities or BBMP.The recurring crisis has left residents weary, as Sai Layout faces identical challenges yearly, despite official assurances yielding little permanent change.The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister plan to visit Sai Layout today to assess flood-affected areas citywide. Residents anticipate their visit will result in lasting solutions to their persistent problems.