Bengaluru Flood Crisis: Karnataka Deputy CM Directs Removal of Illegal Buildings Blocking Drainage

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has instructed Bengaluru civic authorities to demolish buildings that obstruct the natural flow of rainwater, which has been a major cause of flooding in the city. Using powers granted under the Disaster Management Act, Shivakumar directed officials to remove structures that worsen waterlogging during heavy rains.

As the official responsible for Bengaluru’s development, Shivakumar has personally visited areas severely affected by flooding. He identified specific junctions where the problem originated and has since spread to other parts of the city. Many of the problematic buildings were reportedly constructed in ways that block stormwater channels, restricting the movement of rainwater and causing it to accumulate.

Despite the urgency, efforts to clear these obstructions have faced challenges. Some property owners obtained court stay orders preventing demolition, and there was resistance among certain civic officials to take firm action against the illegal structures. To address this, Shivakumar invoked the Disaster Management Act to bypass some of these obstacles and expedite the removal of buildings causing water flow disruptions.

The government has emphasized that the intention is not to cause undue harm or destroy property arbitrarily. Instead, the focus is on finding permanent solutions to prevent flooding by ensuring smooth drainage. Authorities have assured affected landowners that if demolitions are necessary due to technical errors in construction, compensation would be provided to those impacted.

During his inspections, Shivakumar assessed several flood-prone areas, including Manyata Tech Park, where stormwater drains have been insufficient, leading to water accumulation. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief commissioner has been granted full authority to remove encroachments and unauthorized constructions obstructing natural water channels.

Bengaluru has witnessed some of its worst flooding in recent years, highlighting longstanding issues with urban planning and drainage infrastructure. Unauthorized buildings and encroachments have further exacerbated the problem by blocking natural water pathways.

The Disaster Management Act allows the government to act swiftly in emergencies, making it possible to carry out demolition and clearance work without prolonged legal delays. This move demonstrates the administration’s determination to address flooding challenges more effectively.

Although there are concerns from property owners about demolitions, the government stresses the importance of clearing blocked drainage routes to prevent recurring floods and protect public safety. Officials appear willing to work with affected parties, offering compensation where justified and seeking cooperation to ensure that necessary work proceeds without interruptions.

This order forms part of broader initiatives by the Karnataka government to improve Bengaluru’s resilience against heavy rains and climate-related issues. Efforts include regular cleaning and maintenance of stormwater drains, better urban water management, and strict regulation of construction activities near natural drainage systems.

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