On Monday, from evening to night, Bengaluru received heavy rainfall and it caused the city to come to a standstill. According to Indian Express, several parts of the city saw waterlogging and traffic advisories were issued for many stretches within the city with the request to opt for alternative routes. Several people online shared visuals of experiencing waterlogging in the city that caused a major inconvenience to the citizens.
Spice Garden is back with Water Sports activities
Side jump, long jump, swimming, pulling vehicle, pushing vehicle, guessing potholes etc etc#spicegarden #BengaluruRains @TOIIndiaNews @BangaloreMirror @THBengaluru @bengal pic.twitter.com/28ne5GQdLc— Indian Citizen (@Vickydissaster) October 9, 2023
According to The Hindu, the head of the India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru, shared that such rainfall is expected to happen in the city for the next 2-3 days in the latter part of the day.
#BengaluruRains
I am joining swimming classes for free just at my basement
Join me pic.twitter.com/S52Bf9pbNL— Akhilesh gupta (@Akhiles53654203) October 9, 2023
This is extremely concerning because every time Bengaluru witnesses heavy spells of rainfall, it affects the daily lives of the people living in the city. Even posh localities in the southern part of the city aren’t spared which experience severe waterlogging. Massive traffic jams are caused and citizens are stranded on the road on their way back home from work.
River flowing outside Intel towards RMZ Ecospace, Bellandur! PC: Mohan Dwarka #BengaluruRains Here we go again pic.twitter.com/lJ3v4xw9tb
— Anna Thomas (@DayitaKurien) October 9, 2023
This raises serious questions regarding the infrastructure of Bengaluru. The city, which has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth in recent years, is known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, and boasts about its IT industries and technological advancements, is brought down to its knees after a sudden heavy shower.
Waterlogging at Hesaraghatta cross, Peenya, Tumkur Road pic.twitter.com/Mo8X2bPlN8
— Joint CP, Traffic, Bengaluru (@Jointcptraffic) October 9, 2023
Only one night of rainfall is enough to break Bengaluru. There are several reasons why this happens. Here’s a look:
1. Bengaluru has inadequate and outdated drainage systems. The city’s drainage infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid urbanization and much of the surface area is covered by concrete, which results in poor water runoff during rainfall.
“Our growth is unplanned and rampant. We have occupied several low-lying areas in the city and these areas don’t have a stormwater drain. A relook at the drainage system is much needed now,” Urban planner V Ravichandar had said this back in 2021, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
2. Many lakes and water bodies in the city have been encroached upon, filled in or developed upon. This has caused the city’s natural ability to absorb excess rainwater to weaken. 4,554.10 acres of lakes and water bodies have been encroached in the last decade in Bengaluru Urban District, reported TNIE.
3. Because the city has grown so quickly, proper urban planning and development have not been done. The city’s structure is basically very haphazard.
4. And finally, poorly managed traffic. Be it rainfall or dry days, people always complain about traffic jams in the city. There are more vehicles than proper roads.
The answer to Bengaluru’s problems lies in comprehensive urban planning, investment in modern drainage systems, and sustainable development practices. These problems need to be addressed quickly because urbanization isn’t going to pause.