Bengaluru, the bustling capital of Karnataka and home to over 10 million residents, has been severely affected by torrential rains that have inundated parts of the city. During this year’s monsoon season, they have been subjected to catastrophic weather-related disasters. Sadly, one woman has already paid with her life, a sobering reminder of the poorly designed infrastructure the city continues to defend. Bengaluru, once known as India’s Silicon Valley, is sprawling at a breakneck pace. Unfortunately, this development has made flooding even worse, with waterways covered or repurposed as dumping sites.
Heavy rains have led to virtual inundation of Bengaluru, inducing severe water logging – a scenario for which the city has become infamous over the years. This year’s torrential flooding has been the worst on record, forcing rescue operations across impoverished communities. The need has become so urgent that most recently, boats have been deployed to rescue residents trapped in flooded communities, underscoring the desperation of the situation.
Infrastructure Under Strain
Bengaluru’s commendable growth and development has not received the same benefit from a corresponding improvement in the city’s infrastructure. Experts have noted that the city’s systems are ill-equipped to manage the increasing frequency and intensity of torrential rains and flash floods. The combined result has been an alarming collapse of public services, which has increasingly left low-lying areas in the crosshairs of flooding danger.
Siddaramaiah, Karnataka’s Chief Minister, said he was saddened by the loss of lives during these calamities. He stated,
“It is a matter of sorrow that a woman lost her life.”
Besides mourning the loss of the tragedy, Siddaramaiah focused on the need for infrastructure upgrades and fast. He pointed out how many of their stormwater drains have been built over and filled in with silt. He added that many of these drains are very shallow and small. Today, this reality worsens the impact of flooding that occurs during extreme storms.
The Impact of Climate Change
Logically, the annual monsoon season in India has become less predictable. Climate change is contributing to increased frequency and severity of rainfall events. Experts have been sounding the alarm over the negative impact these shifting climate patterns have had in urban areas such as Bengaluru. The dual forces of climate change and extreme urbanization have created immense stress on the city’s drainage infrastructure.
Residents have expressed anger and disappointment at the failure of local leaders to keep flooding at bay. Residents worry that past development plans are ignoring key environmental factors. This is a mistake they believe has resulted in the current crisis.
A Call for Action
As the deluge that inundated Bengaluru during this year’s monsoon recedes, calls for action are rising with it. The federal government is under increasing chains to make a massive, immediate investment to repair and upgrade our infrastructure to spare these tragedies. Solutions like making existing drainage systems more resilient and reestablishing the flood-absorbing capabilities of natural waterways should be priority actions to tackle the underlying problems.