A comprehensive government assessment into the causes of persistent flooding in Nagawara and adjacent zones has revealed a critical absence of proper drainage infrastructure to redirect rainwater into the primary stormwater channel leading to Kalkere Lake.
The 12-page analysis, led by IAS officer Munish Moudgil—now Principal Secretary (Disaster Management)—exposes major obstructions to the natural water flow across nearly 146 sq. km, covering around 20% of BBMP’s domain. The study follows a recent inspection by CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
According to the findings, no operational feeder drain exists to connect flood-prone areas to the main drain between Nagawara and Kalkere Lakes. A 15-km stretch of interlinking drains identified in 1958 village records has vanished—encroached upon by private developers like Manpho, Embassy Manyata, Ebisu Tech Park, and others.
Adding to the crisis, a government-approved sale of “kharab” (non-arable) land to Karle Infra Tech under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act (and its 2020 amendment) has permanently severed the potential for a drainage link.
Moudgil classifies the situation as a man-made disaster and proposes two artificial drains to restore water flow. He suggests private entities—whose constructions worsened flooding—must give up land and build these channels at their own expense.
He also dismisses Embassy Manyata’s plan to pump out floodwater as short-sighted. Additionally, planning agencies like KIADB and BDA are blamed for greenlighting layouts without considering natural drainage paths, leading to unlawful construction over them.