Bengaluru, often dubbed India’s Silicon Valley, is grappling with the aftermath of incessant rainfall that has brought the city to its knees. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), responsible for civic administration, is struggling to cope with widespread flooding, leaving residents facing severe inconvenience and traffic snarls. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall will continue until Friday, October 18, impacting not just Bengaluru but also coastal, north interior, and south interior regions of Karnataka.
While the city grapples with the deluge, a viral video shared by Bengaluru Traffic Police on X (formerly Twitter) has brought to light the perilous working conditions faced by BBMP workers. The video, which has sparked widespread outrage and concern, shows two workers standing knee-deep in floodwater, cleaning clogged drains near the Bellandur up ramp (near Microsoft office) with their bare hands. This stark image has served as a stark reminder of the hazardous environment these workers navigate daily, often with inadequate safety measures.
Social media users have expressed deep concern and anger over the lack of proper safety equipment for these essential workers. Re-sharing the Bengaluru Traffic Police post, user @bykarthikreddy highlighted the need for basic safety gear, tagging Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the BBMP Commissioner. He emphasized, “Civic workers need proper gear; they aren’t going to a stadium to play cricket.” Echoing similar sentiments, another user, @drsbm1983, warned of the health risks these workers face, including leptospirosis, a serious bacterial infection spread through contaminated water.
@NammaAnekal brought attention to the potential for injury from debris and glass shards in the floodwaters. The user expressed concern about the workers’ safety, stating, “This is shameful. Please equip them with personal protection gear to protect them from snakes, live wires, etc., and provide the necessary tools to perform their duty effectively. A world-class city must provide a safe working environment.”
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for the BBMP to prioritize the safety of its workers. The viral video has served as a powerful reminder that ensuring the well-being of these individuals who work tirelessly to maintain the city’s infrastructure is crucial. Providing adequate safety equipment, including boots, gloves, helmets, and life jackets, is not only a matter of responsibility but also a vital step towards preventing potential injuries and ensuring the safety of these essential workers.