Monsoon sets in over Bengaluru 

Even as pre-monsoon showers have battered Bengaluru and exposed how unprepared the city has been for rains, the southwest monsoon finally set in on Monday. With this, the city is expected to receive more rainfall. 

Even as pre-monsoon showers have battered Bengaluru and exposed how unprepared the city has been for rains, the southwest monsoon finally set in on Monday. With this, the city is expected to receive more rainfall. 

In a bulletin issued on Monday, the India Meteorological Department said: “Southwest monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, some more parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Karnataka including Bengaluru among other parts of the country.”

As the monsoon set in, Chief Civic Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao on Monday reviewed monsoon preparedness. In the meeting, Mr. Rao stressed taking immediate precautionary measures to prevent flooding, especially in places where the storm-water drains lack reinforced cement concrete (RCC) retaining walls. He also directed officials to take up intensive cleaning and dredging of drains, wherever needed, to ensure smooth flow of water.

“The BBMP has identified 210 flood-prone locations in the city. Of these, 166 have been addressed, and zonal commissioners have been tasked with verifying and confirming the work. Interim measures must be taken immediately at the remaining 44 locations, with permanent solutions to follow,” Mr. Rao said. 

He also directed officials to carry out continuous cleaning of shoulder drains and water outlets to prevent the accumulation of water on road stretches flagged by the Bengaluru Traffic Police as getting inundated during rains.

Mr. Rao instructed civic officials to lower water levels in lakes in advance to accommodate rainwater. Of the 183 lakes, sluice gates have been installed in only 13 of them. He also directed civic officials to be on their toes to clear fallen trees during storms. Officials must also identify and remove dry or hazardous trees to avoid accidents, he said. 

The BBMP plans to shift roadside waste transfer points to more suitable locations and Mr. Rao instructed officials to identify alternative land.