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Heavy rains that began on May 18 have continued to batter Bengaluru, leaving several neighbourhoods submerged and disrupting daily life across the city. Waterlogging has inundated homes, roads, and businesses, as residents face the compounded effects of pre-monsoon showers and longstanding infrastructure neglect.
In Whitefield’s Sri Sai Layout, resident Neelufur described the last two days as a “disaster.” “Today, there’s some improvement with the water being pumped out, but only 10% of the work is done. It will take almost a week for the water to fully recede. Every year we face similar situations, but this time it’s worse. Earlier, it was just the Sai Lane that got affected but this time the whole of Vaddarapalya is affected,” she said.
She said that while officials, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner, visited the area and the Chief Minister joined via video call, she is doubtful that the promises made will be acted upon.
“There was a plan discussed, but with the monsoon starting, I doubt any real work will begin now. They always wait for the summer to do repairs,” she said.
Authorities have reportedly promised to install a permanent motor to flush out stagnant water. But Neelufur, who had to evacuate her home, remains skeptical. “Last year, we were given similar promises. This year, it’s the same story again. Most houses in our area were evacuated. I had to leave my home. My father is in the ICU—I’m scared about what happens if he comes back and the same situation occurs. Where will I take him?”
In addition to the flooding, Neelufur was injured after falling into an open manhole outside her home.
“Two days ago, I was not aware that the slab near my house had been removed to pump out the water. I fell into the manhole and suffered bruises. The authorities must replace the slabs immediately after draining the water.”
Elsewhere in the city, residents of Amaranthe reported heavy water stagnation due to nearby construction. A local resident said the builder of a project on elevated ground had opened a drain to redirect water into a vacant plot next door, causing widespread flooding, he said.
Following complaints, BBMP officials and traffic police intervened. The contractor was ordered to clear debris and redirect the water back into the construction site. “That helped reduce the flooding, but the blame game over who will fix the road has begun. For now, they’ve levelled it with mud so vehicles can pass,” the resident added.
In Thubarahalli’s Sonestaa Silver Oak, resident Sharath said waterlogging has become “routine.” However, he acknowledged that civic workers responded quickly this time. “They managed to divert the water and clear the roads by morning,” he said.
