Silt and garbage continue to choke Bengaluru's Halasuru drain, despite the civic body posting clean-up photographs. The condition of the drain is particularly concerning ahead of the monsoon, as the blockage hampers the free flow of rainwater.
Blockage at Subramanya Swamy Temple
An uncleared rajakaluve near Subramanya Swamy Temple in Halasuru was observed to be filled with silt and garbage. A DH Photo by Pushkar V shows the drain clogged with debris, contradicting the civic body's claims of having cleaned the area.
Impact on Rainwater Flow
The blockage is expected to cause waterlogging in the surrounding areas during heavy rains. According to local residents, the drain has not been properly maintained for months, and the recent clean-up efforts have been superficial.
"The civic body posts pictures of cleaning, but on the ground, nothing changes. The drain is still choked with silt and plastic waste," said a resident of Halasuru, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Concerns Ahead of Monsoon
With the monsoon season underway, the clogged drain poses a serious flood risk. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had earlier assured residents that all major drains would be desilted before the rains. However, the situation on the ground tells a different story.
According to data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, Bengaluru has received 45% more rainfall than average this month, exacerbating the risk of flooding due to choked drains.
Residents Demand Action
Residents have repeatedly complained to the BBMP about the drain's condition, but no lasting solution has been provided. "We have filed multiple complaints, but the response is always the same—they send a team to take photos and then nothing happens," another resident said.
The Halasuru drain is one of several major stormwater drains in Bengaluru that have been encroached upon or filled with garbage, reducing their capacity to carry rainwater. Environmentalists warn that unless immediate action is taken, the city will face severe waterlogging every monsoon.
