Mysuru: With pre-monsoon showers already beginning across Karnataka and the southwest monsoon expected to arrive by June, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has intensified preparations to tackle possible rain-related hazards and urban flooding in the city.

Civic authorities have launched large-scale desilting works, storm-water drain clearance and tree pruning operations across various zones of Mysuru to minimise waterlogging and ensure smoother drainage during the monsoon season.

Officials said special attention is being given to areas that witnessed severe flooding and drainage issues during previous monsoons.

MCC begins pre-monsoon operations

MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif said the civic body had started monsoon preparedness activities as early as January this year.

According to him, separate packages were allocated for each zone to carry out desilting, drain cleaning and other preventive works in a systematic manner.

The works are expected to continue throughout May and into June as authorities prepare for heavier rainfall during the peak monsoon period.

The commissioner stated that coordination mechanisms had also been established with the district administration to effectively respond to emergencies such as flooding, water stagnation and falling trees during intense rain.

Authorities are focusing particularly on low-lying localities and older parts of Mysuru city that have historically faced drainage problems during continuous rainfall.

Major desilting drive underway

Officials said the underground drainage (UGD) network in Mysuru extends across nearly 2,200 kilometres. However, around 30 to 40 per cent of the drainage lines in older areas are narrow and outdated, making them vulnerable to clogging during heavy rain.

To address this issue, replacement and modernisation works are being carried out in phases.

The civic body has already launched extensive desilting operations in all wards, especially in old city areas where flooding risks are comparatively higher.

Authorities are currently using 12 jetting machines, 23 rodding machines and 17 desilting machines to clean underground drainage lines and storm-water drains.

Officials from Vani Vilas Water Works expressed confidence that the chances of severe flooding could reduce this year due to the ongoing preventive maintenance works.

More machinery to strengthen response

The MCC Commissioner further stated that the corporation would soon receive additional machinery under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme.

The civic body is expected to procure nine more jetting machines and 16 desilting machines at an estimated cost of around Rs 7 crore.

Officials believe the new equipment will significantly improve the corporation’s ability to handle drainage blockages and emergency situations during heavy rainfall.

The additional machinery is also expected to help speed up maintenance activities in rapidly growing residential areas and newly added urban zones.

Lidar survey for flood-prone mapping

In a significant technological initiative, the Mysuru City Corporation has also begun a Lidar survey for 3D mapping of the city to scientifically identify flood-prone and low-lying areas.

According to Commissioner Asif, the survey is expected to be completed within this year.

From next year onwards, authorities plan to use the mapping data to scientifically predict and manage flood situations based on rainfall forecasts and topographical vulnerabilities.

Officials said the technology-driven approach would help improve urban planning and disaster management while enabling quicker responses during extreme weather conditions.

Tree pruning and weather outlook

Executive Engineer (Horticulture) P. K. Mohan Kumar said three separate teams had already begun pruning tree branches in areas where there is a risk of branches collapsing during strong winds and rain.

The preventive measure aims to reduce accidents, power disruptions and road blockages during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, officials from the Meteorological Centre in Bengaluru stated that pre-monsoon rainfall across Karnataka is expected to remain normal to above normal this year.

The southwest monsoon has been forecast to remain near normal in parts of South Interior Karnataka, including the Mysuru region, though some eastern regions of the state may receive comparatively lower rainfall.

City preparing for challenging monsoon season

The ongoing preparations indicate that Mysuru authorities are attempting to avoid the large-scale flooding and civic disruptions witnessed in previous years.

Residents have often raised concerns over clogged drains, overflowing sewage lines and waterlogging in several neighbourhoods during intense rain.

With the monsoon season approaching rapidly, the success of the preventive measures will be closely watched by citizens and local organisations hoping for better urban flood management this year.