Now an island' apartment in Bengaluru

Kendriya Vihar apartment complex in Yelahanka, comprising 600 flats, is facing the worst flooding ever since it was built in 2001. It is located close to a lake, which has become inundated and excess water is flowing into the complex as there is no proper storm water drain network. Residents are unable to move out of the complex and power supply has been cut off as a precautionary measure, as the generator room is flooded

Bengaluru: In 2001, when Kendriya Vihar, an apartment complex, was built near a lake in Yelahanka, little did occupants know about the horror they would have to face 16 years down the line.

Due to incessant rains, over 5,000 residents, staying in more than 600 flats, have been marooned for the past one week. Their woes have increased to such an extent that t many residents are now finding it difficult even to move out of the apartment complex and there is no power.

Krishna, one of the oldest residents, has been accompanying the BBMP officials since early morning to flush out the water. Being a former member of the apartment committee, Krishna believes that he is duty bound to help those residents who are facing distress.

“We have cut down the supply of the electricity as the water has entered into the diesel generator room. We have been facing the problem for the past fifteen years, but this is the first time inundation of this magnitude has happened,” he said.

Being a low-lying area, Kendriya Vihar has always been vulnerable to rains, but due to the increased height of the road the water gushes into the complex at a greater velocity. The complex is close to Yelahanka lake and a paddy field, which in the current has received copious rains and got so inundated that the water overflows the weirs used to collect excess water.

Moreover, manholes have become filled up and are spilling out water. The area lacks storm water drain and the civic authorities say they can be built only after the monsoon.

“The apartment is surrounded by a lake and the biggest challenge is that there is no place to flush out water. On Sunday morning, the situation got worse. The situation is out of control,” said Ramesh, a resident at the complex for thirteen years.

Though the residents appreciate the alacrity shown by the BBMP officials and the local corporator in attending to their problems, they feel the work on storm water drain should have begun last year itself. They felt since the area was prone to waterlogging, a drain network should have been ready by now.

On being asked if he was happy with the way the civic agency is doing its work, Shivaprasad, a resident for 10 years said the agency has been prompt.

“Over 12 BBMP engineers have been deputed for the job. What more can we ask for when the good intention of the engineers is clearly visible,” he added with a smile and satisfaction that the BBMP would be able to clear the complex of the excess water.

Over 60%-70% senior citizens cannot continue with their regular morning and evening exercises and the residents are more worried about the school children, who are finding it difficult to come out of the complex to catch a bus. In order to pump out the water a portion of the compound wall has been broken.

The heavy showers in the evening at Yelahanka again challenged the combined efforts of the residents and the BBMP engineers. The fire department has been kept on a standby to avoid any untoward incident. 

Q&A with Assistant Executive Engineer, Mohan

Drain work will begin after rains stop: Mohan

Why do you think the problem has aggravated this year?
The Yelahanka tank has filled due to the heavy rain. We are witnessing the heavy rain for the first time since 1983. Over two weirs which are used to spill the water has overflown resulting in the water running to the complex. 

How will the BBMP control this menace in future?
We will be constructing a U-shaped concrete storm water drain after the rain stops, by the end of the month. As we know from the IMD department, the rain will continue till October 28. As soon as it stops the construction of the drain will start. Rs 5 crore has been allocated for the project.

What is the biggest challenge the BBMP is facing now?
Currently, our biggest challenge is to control the water, which is overflowing from the two weirs. Since the apartment is located in a low lying area, pumping out water is a challenge. Incessant rains are making our job very difficult.