Flood alert in Bengaluru
On Friday, state government’s Urban Development Department (UDD) issued a ‘flood alert’ to the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike). The department gave flood warnings in 80 localities across the city, especially low-lying areas. This includes major commercial centres like Manyata Techpark, Mantri Mall, Silk Board Junction, Yeshwantpur TTMC, JC Road and Koramangala 4th Block Global Village.
The letter from UDD said that the latest forecast indicated heavy rainfall across Bengaluru. And hence BBMP should coordinate with other departments immediately, and alert officials about the likelihood of accidents.
BBMP has identified 182 vulnerable spots in the city’s low-lying areas, including 28 that are highly vulnerable. These spots can withstand rain up to 120 mm only. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC) has installed sensors along stormwater drains in 18 of the 28 spots. The sensors cost Rs 35,000 each, and operate on solar energy.
BBMP officers get real-time data from the sensors. If the data indicates risk of flooding, officials would evacuate people to safer zones, and take steps to prevent loss of life and property.
Source: Deccan Herald | The Hindu
RWAs to prevent idol immersion in lakes
As Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations are nearing, BBMP is roping in volunteers from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to protect the city’s lakes. BBMP has dug up ‘kalyanis’ or ponds in the buffer zone of 24 lakes across the city, at the cost of Rs 8 crore. Ganesha idols can be immersed only in these designated kalyanis. On average, one kalyani will be available to eight wards.
The RWA volunteers will guard lakes, and ensure that visitors immerse idols only in the kalyanis. According to BBMP, the kalyanis have been built away from the lakes, so as to prevent lake pollution. The corporation also plans to construct temporary ponds in available public lands to facilitate idol immersion.
Source: Deccan Herald
Lack of ministers affects Metro
The delay in appointing ministers is affecting the BMRCL’s (Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd) land acquisition for Namma Metro. Only after the new industries minister takes charge and approves files, can the preliminary notification be issued to acquire land for the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) Metro line. Land acquisition for the ORR Metro line from KR Puram to Silk Board has been affected too.
Source: The Hindu
Pay-and-use toilets near Metro stations
BMRCL is collaborating with BBMP to set up pay-and-use toilets outside certain Metro stations. BMRCL Managing Director Ajay Seth said that toilets would be built just outside stations that have surplus land. The toilets are expected to be ready in eight months.
BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad said that the details were yet to be sorted out, and that the Palike would start construction once BMRCL hands over the land. The toilets would be built by BBMP, and maintained by NGOs.