Bengaluru, often hailed as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, has once again found itself grappling with the disruptive effects of heavy rainfall. In 2024, the city has experienced a series of intense downpours that have led to widespread flooding, causing significant disruptions to daily life and raising concerns about the city's infrastructure and preparedness.
Throughout the year, Bengaluru has faced contrasting weather patterns, swinging from a severe water crisis during the summer months to recurring floods during and after the monsoon season. The intense summer, marked by a prolonged heatwave and a lack of pre-monsoon showers, left the city parched and struggling with water shortages. However, the arrival of the monsoon in May brought a different set of challenges, with heavy rains triggering widespread flooding across the city.
The heavy rainfall has resulted in numerous problems for Bengaluru residents. Uprooted trees, submerged underpasses, and waterlogged streets have become common sights. In some areas, homes have been flooded, leading to the evacuation of residents and damage to property. Traffic congestion has also been a major issue, with waterlogged roads causing significant delays and standstill traffic in many parts of the city. For example, in October 2024, Yelahanka recorded 157 mm of rain in just six hours, leading to severe flooding and waist-deep water accumulation in some areas. The international airport road has also been heavily affected with service outlets near Kogilu Cross completely inundated.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) records indicate that around 2,000 homes were affected by flooding in 2024. The rains have also taken a toll on Bengaluru's roads, with over 10,000 potholes identified by the BBMP during the year. While most of these potholes have been filled, recurring problems reveal shortcomings in repair quality, highlighting the need for more durable road repair strategies.
In response to the flooding, the local authorities have been working to provide relief and manage the situation. Measures such as installing pumps to remove water from flooded areas, closing underpasses during heavy rains, and deploying disaster rescue forces to evacuate residents have been implemented. The BBMP has also been testing new technologies, such as the Ecofix mix technology, to fill waterlogged potholes using industrial waste.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing alerts and warnings to keep residents informed about the weather conditions. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued, cautioning residents about potentially hazardous weather conditions and advising schools and companies to remain closed or allow employees to work from home.
While the BBMP claims that their flood mitigation measures, including clearing encroachments on stormwater drains, are working and that the number of houses affected by flooding has decreased compared to previous years, the recurring issues highlight the need for long-term planning and sustainable solutions. Residents have voiced concerns about the lack of proper infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems, and the impact of construction activities on the city's ability to handle heavy rainfall.
The challenges faced by Bengaluru due to the heavy rainfall underscore the importance of urban planning, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure maintenance. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that measures are taken to address the vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
