The state government came under fire as people struggled to reach their offices in technology hubs after the early morning rain caused flash floods on the roads leading to these places.
People posted pictures on social media with angry comments, taking exception to the authorities not acting despite past experiences.
Citizens Movement, East Bengaluru posted: “Scene of Electronic City Bengaluru, the first IT SEZ of India. Is the whole city like this? No, this is mostly in IT corridors. These areas lie far from the center, loosely controlled by BBMP. It gave Rs 1100 Cr in property taxes last year! The nonprofit posted another picture from the Manyata Tech Park, saying its call to the control room was in vain as no one showed up to clear the place. One netizen captioned his picture as: “Silicon Valley of India just after 3 hours of rain.”
Another going by the name @Bnglrweatherman noted: “Skydeck for aerial view & Tunnel roads for the real feel of waterlogging & traffic jams in Bengaluru. Visionary plans for the city by the administration. Huge waterlogging & traffic jams in the city after heavy BengaluruRains.”
Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan (BJP) took potshots at the government with his comment, “Congress promised to make Bengaluru like London, but we almost ended up with Venice instead.” It was, however, disapproved by software developer Srihari Janadri, who said, “Last year it was the same situation during the BJP govt. Just blaming each other won’t help anyone. Need a proper solution for it and BBMP needs complete revamp (board full of corruption). “
People headed towards Electronic City – home to tech majors like Infosys, Wipro and TCS – said it was annoying to see water-logging roads. “No one can reach the office before 11.30 am,” one of them said. Silk Board junction, an important junction with roads connecting to all tech corridors, witnessed the worst traffic snarl, due to waterlogging. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar visited the area, along with other affected parts and directed the BBMP officials to clear the water.
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Two years ago, the State Government and technology companies had decided to work together to find a permanent solution to the issue of waterlogging after several firms on either side of the outer ring road (ORR) stretch battled their worst-even crisis thrown up by the unprecedented rains.
They also agreed to meet every month virtually with representatives from industry bodies including Nasscom in attendance.
Former Infosys director TV Mohandas Pai had urged the government to form a committee led by an additional chief secretary (ACS) consisting of civic leaders and reporting to the IT/BT Minister to monitor the progress and report every week.
