Bengaluru, Sep 18 — Heavy rain on Thursday battered several parts of Bengaluru, particularly the southern and western zones, leaving the city grappling with 41 cases of tree falls and widespread waterlogging. The downpour once again exposed the recurring infrastructure challenges that continue to haunt residents during every major spell of rain.
According to the Integrated Command and Control Centre of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), 103 rain-related complaints were logged between 6 am and 6 pm. The majority of the cases were related to uprooted trees and falling branches, disrupting traffic and causing damage to vehicles and property.
South Bengaluru worst affected
Bengaluru South City Corporation, which covers Jayanagar, JP Nagar, BTM Layout, and Basavanagudi, reported the highest number of incidents with 15 tree falls. JP Nagar 6th Phase and Banashankari witnessed major road blockages that lasted for hours, while residents of Jayanagar 4th Block complained of stagnant water on arterial roads. Multiple branch collapses were also reported from BTM Layout.
Traffic hit in west Bengaluru
Bengaluru West, spanning Rajajinagar, Vijayanagar, and Chandra Layout, recorded 15 tree falls and 10 branch collapses. A massive tree fall near Vijayanagar severely disrupted traffic on the busy Mysuru Road stretch. Several streets in Rajajinagar and Basaveshwaranagar were cordoned off by authorities to carry out clearance operations.
North and central areas report waterlogging
In the northern parts of the city — including Hebbal, Yelahanka, and RT Nagar — nine tree falls and 12 branch collapses were reported. At RT Nagar, clogged roadside drains worsened the situation, leaving several stretches waterlogged and slowing traffic flow.
Central Bengaluru, covering Shivajinagar, Malleswaram, and Richmond Town, reported relatively fewer cases — two tree falls and six branch collapses. However, waterlogging at Shivajinagar and Vasanthnagar caused significant delays for commuters.
East zone least impacted
The East Corporation zone, which includes Indiranagar, CV Raman Nagar, and Whitefield, was comparatively less affected. Only four complaints were recorded, including two waterlogging cases on Indiranagar’s 100-ft Road and Kaggadasapura, and a tree branch collapse near KR Puram.
Residents express frustration
While civic staff were deployed across the city to clear uprooted trees and branches, residents expressed anger and frustration at the city’s inability to cope with routine monsoon showers. Many pointed out that despite repeated promises of better stormwater drainage and urban planning, every downpour continues to paralyse Bengaluru’s traffic and daily life.
Conclusion
The latest spell of heavy rain has once again raised questions about Bengaluru’s preparedness for the monsoon season. With tree falls, road blockages, and waterlogging recurring across the city, residents say only long-term investments in drainage systems and road infrastructure will bring meaningful change.