As Bengaluru sees continuous showers, Sai Layout flooded again

Residents of Sai Layout in Bengaluru face recurring flooding issues, with authorities failing to address the problem effectively.

Slippers in hand and hiked-up pants, people waded through the flooded waters at Sai Layout in Horamavu on Sunday as Bengaluru continues to receive early showers. This is the second time this year the area reported waterlogging even before the onset of monsoon season.

Motorists were seen struggling to get through the flooded roads, with the residents blaming the authorities of not walking the talk amid complaints of waterlogging every year.

“The Zonal Commissioner and BBMP Commissioner had come here to oversee the water being pumped out, but as soon as they left, the work stopped,” said Neelufar Ahmed, a resident of Sai Layout. She and other residents have been facing this problem of flooding every year. 

Harish G., also a resident of Sai Layout, stated that he had been facing this problem for more than 15 years. “Every year, the BBMP, BDA, and BWSSB come here to give us assurances of building two big vents that will drain the water from our locality. Till now, no action has been taken.”

Two smaller vents exist near Sai Layout, but are too small to take care of the flooding. Rainwater from neighbouring areas like Kammanahalli, Lingarajapuram, Hennur, R T Nagar drains into Sai Layout, according to Mr. Harish. “I have lost hope. I have been living in this condition for so long.”

BBMP Chief Civic Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao on Sunday inspected the areas that were severely affected by Saturday’s rains, including Sai Layout. He stated that necessary actions will be taken to find a permanent solution to the recurring flooding issues in Sai Layout.

“Sai Layout, developed by the BDA, has been experiencing waterlogging issues. A meeting will be held with BDA officials to address these concerns promptly. Temporary jackwell systems with pumps will be installed in select areas by BDA as an interim measure,” he said.