Bengaluru: Despite the tragic waterlogging incident at KR Circle last year, the city’s authorities have failed to address the ongoing issue effectively. This monsoon season has seen at least 180 major roads in Bengaluru experience severe waterlogging, according to data from law enforcement agencies reported by DH.
Among the most affected areas are 20 roads in the Hebbal Circle and surrounding northeastern regions of Bengaluru, which are notorious for their traffic congestion and waterlogging problems. Notably, five out of ten roads with severe waterlogging are along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) in the city’s east and northeast. Hebbal Circle, a crucial intersection linking the city with Kempegowda International Airport, is highlighted as the most problematic area for waterlogging.
The situation is worsened by potholed roads around Hebbal Circle, leading to significant issues for two-wheelers, buses, and other vehicles. Recently, an electric bus operated by BMTC caught fire while navigating the ORR between Hebbal and Veerannapalya, an incident attributed to water entering the bus’s battery, causing a spark.
The persistent waterlogging issue is compounded by civic apathy and the ongoing construction of metro and flyover projects. These projects have resulted in dug-up roads and disrupted stormwater drains, contributing to the problem. Silt removed from stormwater drains is often piled up outside, only to be washed back into the drains during rainfall, causing further blockages.
Areas significantly affected include Hebbal Circle, the service road between Nagavara Junction and Hebbal Circle, the Outer Ring Road between Kalyan Nagar Junction and Hennur Junction, and the service road between Ramamurthy Nagar and Kasturi Nagar. Immediate action from city authorities is crucial to address these waterlogging issues, which are causing severe inconvenience and posing safety risks to residents.
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