Stormwater drain project must be completed by year-end: BBMP Chief Commissioner
In a bid to mitigate urban flooding in Bengaluru’s southern neighbourhoods, BBMP Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to complete the stormwater drainage project near Sindhoora Kalyana Mantapa in JP Nagar by the end of this year.
During a field inspection of several key sites in the South Zone on Sunday, Rao reviewed progress on a 1.3-kilometre-long drain being constructed to connect the area around Sindhoora Kalyana Mantapa to the K-210 drain. He urged engineers to fast-track the project to minimize flood risks ahead of the upcoming monsoon.
He also instructed that safety barricades be erected around chambers at the construction sites and pedestrian pathways maintained properly to ensure public safety.
Highlighting another pressing concern, Rao directed civic teams to immediately remove silt from side drains along the Outer Ring Road. He stressed that silt should not be left unattended on roadsides to ensure proper water flow during heavy rains.
Push for citywide waste management facilities
As part of the inspection drive, Rao visited the solid waste biogas plant in Jayanagar 3rd Block, which processes up to five tons of organic waste daily. He encouraged officials to replicate the model in other parts of the city, particularly high-density zones like KR Market, to improve decentralized waste management.
At the solid waste collection centre in Attiguppe Ward, the Commissioner warned against the proliferation of black spots and instructed marshals and supervisors to take immediate action to clean and prevent illegal dumping on roadsides and vacant plots.
Electric crematorium, animal facility expansion on the agenda
Rao also reviewed the ongoing construction work at the Wilson Garden Electric Crematorium. While one of the two furnaces is currently under repair, he ordered officials to hasten the completion and to improve basic visitor facilities at the site. He proposed building two more furnaces to cater to the rising demand for cremation services in the city.
Additionally, with Sumanahalli hosting the city’s only animal crematorium, the Commissioner asked officials to scout for additional locations to set up similar facilities in other zones.