Tree-fall deaths and flooding raise alarm over BBMP’s monsoon preparedness

Within a short span of just two months, two individuals lost their lives owing to tree-fall in Bengaluru, raising questions about the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) preparedness for the monsoon despite forming multiple teams to address such incidents.

Within a short span of just two months, two individuals lost their lives owing to tree-fall in Bengaluru, raising questions about the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) preparedness for the monsoon despite forming multiple teams to address such incidents.

Citing these fatal incidents and the recurring problem of urban flooding even during low-intensity rainfall during the pre-monsoon season, citizens and activists have begun questioning whether the BBMP is truly ready to face the monsoon.

On Thursday, Mahesh, a 45-year-old autorickshaw driver, was killed after a tree fell on his vehicle along Kathriguppe Main Road in Banashankari. Earlier, on March 22, three-year-old Raksha succumbed to her injuries after a tree collapsed on the two-wheeler she was riding pillion on with her father. The civic body announced compensation for both victims in accordance with standard procedures.

According to BBMP data, during three recent rain spells — one in March, followed by two on May 1 and 2 — a total of 93 trees and 133 large branches were uprooted or fell. Flooding on arterial and sub-arterial roads across several areas, including the central business district (CBD), has become increasingly frequent.

BBMP Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao has said that response teams have been reactivated. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Rao stated that BBMP control rooms are operational and that joint commissioners (JCs) in each zone have been directed to prepare flood mitigation plans. Additionally, the traffic police have been tasked with reporting flooded areas to the BBMP for inclusion in its list of flood-prone zones.

The BBMP’s forest cell has also been instructed to identify and address trees that pose a threat to public safety. Mr. Rao further mentioned that available civic data would be analysed to devise further strategies.

However, citizens are voicing concerns over the civic body’s preparedness. Snehal Nandihal, a resident of Indiranagar, expressed frustration over the persistent flooding in her neighbourhood, pointing to BBMP’s ineffective planning. She cited chronic flooding on key stretches such as K.T. Road, 5th Main Road in Defence Colony, 2nd Stage, and sections of the 80 Feet Road in Indiranagar. “Despite repeated complaints regarding the removal of silt in storm-water drains, no concrete action has been taken. The issue has remained unresolved for several years, even after repeated visits by former BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath,” she said, adding that the pre-monsoon showers have already revealed significant gaps in the civic body’s monsoon preparedness.