Bengaluru: Bengaluru East City Corporation Commissioner D.S. Ramesh on Friday directed divisional executive engineers to expedite drain desilting works across major roads to ensure smooth rainwater flow ahead of the monsoon season. The directive was issued during an inspection of ongoing civic works in several parts of the eastern region of the city.
The commissioner visited locations including K. Narayanapura, Horamavu and Kaggadasapura Railway Gate to review the progress of drain cleaning and related maintenance activities. During the inspection, he emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent the waterlogging and severe traffic congestion that the city often experiences during heavy rainfall.
Officials were instructed to speed up the desilting of stormwater drains and ensure that the works are completed efficiently before the onset of the rainy season. According to civic authorities, the accumulation of silt, debris and waste in drainage systems is one of the main causes of flooding on roads during monsoon showers.
Preventing waterlogging and traffic congestion
During the inspection, Ramesh said that proper maintenance of stormwater drains is essential to avoid flooding on busy roads and junctions. He pointed out that many parts of the city experience traffic gridlock when rainwater fails to drain quickly due to blocked or poorly maintained drainage channels.
The commissioner instructed engineers and field staff to monitor vulnerable locations closely and ensure that drainage networks remain free of obstructions. He also stressed the importance of regular maintenance rather than emergency measures taken only during heavy rainfall.
Officials said that the desilting drive will focus on major roads, low-lying areas and locations that have historically faced waterlogging problems during previous monsoon seasons.
Encroachment clearance in AECS Layout
Along with the drain maintenance works, the civic body has also launched an encroachment clearance drive in AECS Layout. The operation targeted a 1.6-kilometre stretch along 60 Feet Road, extending from the Ganesha Temple to ITPL Main Road.
According to officials, several unauthorised structures and obstacles had encroached upon pedestrian spaces and public areas along the road. The drive aimed to restore these spaces for safe use by pedestrians and improve traffic movement.
The commissioner clarified that the removal of encroachments will not be a one-time activity. Authorities plan to continue the operation in the coming days to ensure that both sides of the road are cleared and public spaces are fully reclaimed.
Cleaning drive on Varthur stretch
As part of the broader civic improvement efforts, a cleaning drive was also conducted on the 700-metre stretch between Varthur Kodi and Varthur. Officials said the operation led to the removal of more than six tonnes of debris and waste from the roadside and drainage areas.
The cleaning activity focused on removing accumulated dust, garbage and materials that obstruct public spaces. Authorities also cleared illegal flex banners and unauthorised tiles that had been placed by shopkeepers on public property.
Civic officials noted that such materials often block pedestrian walkways and interfere with drainage systems, particularly during the rainy season. Removing these obstacles is expected to improve both cleanliness and water flow during rainfall.
Continued monitoring before monsoon
The civic administration has stated that similar drives will be carried out in other parts of the eastern zone in the coming weeks. Field engineers have been asked to conduct regular inspections and ensure that drainage infrastructure remains functional.
Authorities believe that early preparation and consistent monitoring will help reduce the risk of flooding and minimise disruption to daily life during the monsoon months.
Conclusion
The intensified desilting and encroachment clearance drives reflect the civic body’s efforts to address long-standing issues of waterlogging and traffic congestion during heavy rains. Officials have urged residents and businesses to cooperate by keeping drains free of waste and avoiding encroachments on public spaces, which can obstruct drainage and worsen flooding problems.