Bengaluru : In the wake of recent flooding, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced several relief initiatives, including decisive actions against stormwater drain encroachments.
Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Shivakumar revealed that a compensation of ₹5 lakh will be provided by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to the families of two children who drowned in Kengeri Lake on Tuesday. Additionally, ₹10,000 will be given to homeowners affected by the floods.
The minister assured that temporary housing and food facilities will be arranged for displaced families. “We’ve directed officials to clear stormwater drain encroachments across the city without leniency,” he said, emphasizing that drainage desilting projects are underway, supported by a ₹1,000-crore loan from the World Bank.
Shivakumar highlighted the efforts of Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda, who is supervising the desilting of drains and lakes under various development schemes. “We are also planning to convene a meeting of the Lake Management Committee soon,” he added.
He further criticized the legal hurdles that have obstructed action against private encroachments, noting that some individuals had secured court orders to prevent the BBMP from clearing drains. “However, during emergencies, such actions cannot be allowed to delay essential measures. Our top priority is to safeguard citizens’ lives,” Shivakumar asserted.
The Deputy Commissioner of the BBMP and the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) have been instructed to expedite the removal of encroachments without further delay. “We cannot let legal challenges compromise public safety,” he concluded.
