Sai Layout in Bengaluru flooded again, residents blame official apathy, dread monsoon arrival | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Residents of Sai Layout in Horamavu, which falls in Mahadevapura zone, continue to experience waterlogging and flooding — even before the official monsoon season. On Saturday, pre-monsoon rain submerged the layout with 4-5ft of water, leaving streets flooded to knee level.When TOI visited the area Sunday noon, most of the houses were locked and BBMP had just begun pumping out water from the roads. The remaining residents reported having no access to clean water for cooking or basic needs. Many sat outside their flooded homes waiting for relief.BBMP officials pointed out the layout is situated in a low-lying area, with the stormwater drain (SWD) flowing at a higher elevation, making natural drainage nearly impossible. According to the civic body, Sai Layout falls under BDA jurisdiction, limiting BBMP’s intervention.Despite this jurisdictional issue, BBMP chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao visited the area, inspecting waterlogged roads on a tractor. “I’ve asked our technical team to review why the water is not flowing, and we’ve instructed BDA to take required action. As a temporary solution, we’ve deployed a pumping machine 24×7,” he told TOI.During his inspection, locals submitted grievances. Rao said under disaster management provisions, waterlogged houses would be identified and compensation provided.The SWD behind Sai Layout, originating from Hebbal Valley, is said to have narrowed from its original 50 metres to just 6 metres at the railway crossing to accommodate tracks. BBMP reports that a Rs 14-crore project is under way with the rail authorities to restore the original width. However, the completion timeline remains uncertain because of ongoing work near railway lines.Displaced & distressed Many residents report complete disruption to their lives. Kumareshan KR said: “I have a young child, and with our house flooded, our family had to move to our friend’s house for today. I suffered this last year and was planning to shift from here. I delayed it thinking the rains will come only after June…We’ll move immediately now.”Neelufur Ahmed, who has been in the layout for 25 years, said she has been facing the same problem for a long time. “…BBMP promises to fix the drainage every year, and nothing happens. Just two days back, owing to waterlogging, I hit three people with my car. I had to pay for their medical bills, and now my car is in the garage. BBMP just comes, puts a small motor, and leaves,” she said.Residents, while pointing out that there is no drinking water or proper drainage, said BBMP now “wants us to pay extra tax for garbage”.“What are we paying for? They are saying this layout is illegal, then how did they sell it to us? Why are we paying property tax every year?” asked Neelufur.Property owner Nagaveni shared similar frustrations. Saying officials come and go but nothing changes on the ground, she said: “They give us compensation but what we want is a solution. Yesterday there was no power when the rain came. I had to shift my tenants on the ground floor to the first floor as the entire house was flooded.” Nagaveni had spent Rs 40,000 last year on raising the entry space to her house.
