
Representative Image of Rainbow Drive Layout
Rainbow Drive Layout on flood alert as Halanayakanahalli lake reaches brim
Bengaluru
The infamous Rainbow Drive Layout (RBD), known for its recurring flood woes, has once again come under threat as Halanayakanahalli lake nears full capacity following pre-monsoon showers in Bengaluru.
On May 19, 2025, rainwater entered a small section of the layout but quickly drained out, sparing homes that are typically vulnerable. The only saving grace: the lake wasn’t yet full. In 2024, RBD remained dry solely because the lake never breached capacity. This year, however, the 27-year-old private layout has been categorised in the ‘red zone’, triggering anxiety among residents.
A resident of the layout, who did not wish to be named in the report, talking to BLR.POST, said the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) failed in its attempt to clear encroachment as it lost the battle in the High Court. The HC last year ruled that “if there was a need to construct a tertiary stormwater drain on the original path, then the BBMP must acquire the land.” A senior BBMP official said the civic body is planning to acquire the land for the same, as the problem has to be resolved.
It may be recalled that in 2023, after massive flooding in the layout, the K.R. Puram Tahsildar issued notices to 13 houses in view of demolition. These houses sit on the tertiary drain, while some residents and the developer of the layout, Austin Roach, argue that these are agricultural nalas. The BBMP even camped outside the layout to carry out the demolition. The residents secured relief in the HC, but the land acquisition threat still looms large. It should also be noted that the RBD Layout Plot Owners’ Association has come up with a proposal to build an alternative drain. The association is working hard to convince the BBMP of the same.
The resident further said some residents, colluding with Roach, built a dam-like wall to block the water from flowing. But this has caused a nuisance to others in the layout. Now, as the lake has filled, one heavy spell of rain will cause a breach, and water will start flowing into the layout. This time around, houses will flood again. The BBMP has to act fast to avert another tragedy.