Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, the impact of rain has brought to question BBMP’s contingency plans.
The dispute: According to BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath, all storm water drains have been cleared. He terms this as the Palike’s efforts to clear the drains in advance. This has eliminated the chances of major accidents. Stormwater drains in Pai and Sai layouts are still being developed.
- According to urban expert Ashwin Mahesh, the Palike has no contingency plan for emergencies. All they are capable of are response mechanisms.
Key details: Reports state that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the revenue department and the department for disaster management held a meeting a month before monsoon season. Here, the Deputy Commissioners were asked to be prepared for flood-like situations.
- This included preparations to convert community halls to temporary shelters.