CM Siddaramaiah orders encroachment removal

 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued strict orders to immediately remove all encroachments on the Rajakaluve canal in Bengaluru, regardless of the influence of the encroachers. Speaking at a press conference after inspecting flood-affected areas, he emphasized the government’s commitment to solving the city’s flooding issues through infrastructure development.

Rajakaluve, a canal stretching nearly 860 km, has seen lining work completed on 491 km, with another 125 km under progress, expected to finish within three months. The World Bank has sanctioned ₹2,000 crore for developing the remaining 173 km. Tenders have been finalized, and work is slated to complete within three years.

The CM also assured immediate compensation to those whose homes were damaged by water intrusion. Authorities have been instructed to ban basement construction in 166 sensitive low-lying areas and to take preventive measures. During inspection near Manyata Tech Park, encroachments were found, prompting immediate clearance orders.

Siddaramaiah further highlighted ongoing efforts to widen bottlenecks like the narrow vent near the railway bridge in Sai Layout and construction work in HBR Layout Phase 5 to prevent flooding. Coordination between BBMP, Metro, and National Highways authorities has been mandated to address waterlogging at Silk Board junction and surrounding areas. In 2022, Bengaluru recorded 299 mm rainfall, and recent data shows 132 mm rainfall till May 19 midnight, marking one of the heaviest rainfalls in a decade.

Strict action has also been ordered against illegal dumping of waste into drains to ensure smooth water flow and prevent floods.