Editorial 2: A sinking feeling for ‘Brand Bengaluru’

Context                

Not much attention is being paid to the problems caused by the city’s ‘growth.’

Introduction

For long-time residents of Bengaluru, it is starting to feel like too many things are happening at the same time. There are plans to extend Namma Metro to nearby cities. Work has begun on a suburban rail network. The State government is pushing for a controversial tunnel road network to connect traffic-heavy areas. Meanwhile, the city’s civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is being divided into several corporations hoping they will manage the city better.

Little Focus on Existing Problems Amid New Projects

• These projects are planned for Bengaluru’s future growth, but existing problems caused by the city’s rapid expansion are being ignored.
• Heavy rains reveal the issues hidden beneath Bengaluru’s shiny image.
• Motorists get stuck on waterlogged roads; residential areas get flooded.
• Families affected by incidents like flooded underpasses or tree falls feel frustrated as government promises feel repetitive.

Record-breaking Rainfall in 2025

• Authorities were caught off guard despite preparing for the monsoon.

Increasing Frequency of Severe Weather Events

• High-impact weather is happening more often and stronger worldwide.
• Bengaluru experienced major flooding in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022.
• Karnataka suffered a drought in 2023, leading to a water crisis in 2024.

Neglected Lakes and Rivers

• Bengaluru once had a vast network of lakes that controlled flooding by storing rainwater.
• As the city grew, focus shifted to supplying water from the Cauvery river.
• Many lakes were destroyed for real estate, stadiums, and bus stands.
• Rivers like the Vrushabhavathy are still neglected and polluted.

Flood Mitigation Efforts Fall Short

• In 2024, treated water was added to some lakes to improve groundwater levels during the water crisis.
• Before the monsoon of 2025, 63 out of 183 lakes under BBMP were already full.
• This raises concerns about how much the city’s flood barriers have been weakened.

Drainage Issues

• Drains are clogged with silt and sewage, reducing their capacity.
• Overflow causes severe water-logging on streets.
• The Karnataka Lokayukta investigated and found:
  • Negligence by officials
  • Poor coordination between agencies
• Lokayukta ordered:
  • Speed up de-silting of drains
  • Ensure drains have a proper slope for water flow
  • Remove all encroachments blocking drains

Administrative Changes and Concerns

• The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will replace BBMP as the main city governing body.
• GBA will bring all major agencies under one roof, led by the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
• Some activists worry this will lead to centralised power and less local control.

Conclusion

It is unclear if this change will bring a more united and complete way to manage the city, especially with extreme weather events becoming common. The residents might still face the same problems if the focus stays on extravagant projects. Right now, it is too early to say what will happen.