This monsoon, Bengaluru’s usual flood-prone areas—Rainbow Drive Layout, Kendriya Vihar, and the EcoSpace stretch along Outer Ring Road (ORR)—have largely escaped the severe waterlogging that typically dominates headlines, despite over 100mm of rainfall in a single day.

Unlike previous years, scenes of submerged streets, stranded vehicles, and residents wading through knee-deep water were notably missing this time around.

According to reports by TOI, proactive infrastructure enhancements and improved drainage systems have played a crucial role in averting the annual flooding chaos.

In Yelahanka’s Kendriya Vihar, home to roughly 2,500 residents, the monsoon usually triggers anxiety. Resident R Shiva Prasad, who has lived there for 17 years, expressed relief at the absence of flooding this year. Although the nearby lake breached, it didn’t affect homes—a marked improvement from past experiences.

A newly built drain linking Yelahanka Lake to Jakkur Lake, currently half full, facilitates efficient water diversion away from residential zones. BBMP administrator Tushar Giri Nath confirmed that rainwater was redirected into Geddalahalli via an added urban drain, also boosting water supply to nearby farmland.

Rainbow Drive Layout, which faced severe evacuations in 2022, saw only minor waterlogging this year. Residents noted some accumulation near the entrance, but far less severe than before. Still, concerns linger for the peak monsoon months ahead.

Giri Nath noted the installation of an automatic pump system and a side drain as temporary fixes, emphasizing the need for ongoing cooperation from residents to sustain improvements.

The ORR stretch near EcoSpace, known for tech parks and chronic flooding, showed marginal progress thanks to better drain maintenance and roadworks. However, concrete slabs covering drains continue to hamper cleaning efforts, causing occasional blockages.

Overall, BBMP has completed flood mitigation work at 166 of 210 identified hotspots, with 24 under development and 20 more slated to start soon. This progress has helped reduce flooding in localities including Marathahalli, Bellandur, Sarjapur, Iblur, and key ORR stretches.