Residents of Bengaluru’s Channasandra area are raising concerns over the alleged dumping of silt on Channasandra Bridge by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)’s mechanical sweepers. They claim that this practice, ongoing for the past six months, is causing inconvenience to motorists and could worsen with the windy weather approaching.
According to residents, contractors responsible for the mechanical sweepers unload around 50-55 loads of accumulated silt onto the bridge every morning, despite objections from locals. The silt, deposited on the bridge, poses a risk of blowing onto passing vehicles, potentially causing traffic disruptions and safety hazards.
BBMP’s Road Infrastructure (RI) department oversees the operation of large mechanical sweepers, with plans to procure 1,955 handheld mechanical sweepers. Officials defend the dumping as a temporary measure, asserting that the silt is cleared weekly once it accumulates to a truckload.
The residents’ apprehension stems from the area’s history of flooding, notably experiencing severe flooding on Channasandra Main Road in 2022. While residents attributed the flooding to the Dakshina Pinakini River overflowing, officials attributed it to debris obstructing water flow.
As concerns mount among residents regarding the impact of silt dumping on Channasandra Bridge, they urge BBMP officials to address the issue promptly to ensure the safety and convenience of motorists traversing the area.
