The Garden City of Bengaluru is currently grappling with a deluge of rain, transforming streets into rivers and causing widespread inconvenience for its residents. Over the past few days, torrential downpours have led to severe flooding and waterlogging across the city, with several areas and roads inundated, creating a logistical nightmare.
Frustrated citizens are taking to social media to vent their anger and highlight the extent of the crisis. Videos shared on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) showcase the grim reality, with cars wading through knee-deep water, roads reduced to muddy trails, and traffic brought to a standstill.
One user, representing the residents of Assetz 63 East, expressed their exasperation, stating: “Residents of @63East and @east_bengaluru are fed up with water-logging & deplorable roads. High time authorities take action! We deserve safe roads and proper drainage.”
Another user, sharing a video from the Vidyaranyapura BBPM sports complex area, posed a stark question: “Road or River?” The extent of the waterlogging in this location is evident, raising concerns about the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure.
The issue of poor road conditions, a recurring theme in Bengaluru’s urban woes, has also been brought to the forefront. One user lamented: “We should introspect why we are buying properties in such areas where there is no infra because of brand name. Definitely you would have been fleeced by gullible builders who promised you that roads will be ready by the time property will be ready for possession.”
Another user pointed a finger at the city’s urban planning, stating: “I think it’s too late to find the solution!! Best example of bad urban planning in the outskirts of Bengaluru areas since 17 years!! Agricultural lands were converted to residential, and commercial areas without vision and proper planning. Not unlike old areas of Bengaluru.”
A heated debate ensued, with some users questioning the choice of residence and others emphasizing the responsibility of the government to provide infrastructure. One commenter argued: “First of all who asked you guys to purchase that property in the village? BBMP is not able to provide good roads in the CBD area and tech corridors. How can you expect them to provide infrastructure in a village? People are buying property assuming that the gov will fix the infra.”
The ongoing rainfall is expected to continue, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a cloudy sky with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in both urban and rural areas of Bengaluru. The maximum temperature is anticipated to be 29 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will hover around 21 degrees Celsius. The IMD forecast predicts light to moderate rains in the city until October 25.
The adverse weather conditions have also impacted air travel, with Kempegowda International Airport experiencing delays and diversions. Due to heavy rains on October 21, over 20 flights were late in arriving, while four flights were diverted to Chennai.
As the downpour continues, Bengaluru residents are grappling with the consequences of inadequate infrastructure and urban planning. With the city seemingly sinking under the weight of the rain, questions about preparedness, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of Bengaluru’s urban environment are being raised.