BNCC Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar directs officials to complete pending sewage diversion works within 10 days
Bengaluru: In a major push to prevent recurring monsoon flooding in North Bengaluru, the Bengaluru North City Corporation has intensified efforts to resolve the long-standing waterlogging issue near Puttenahalli Lake.
BNCC Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar on Tuesday conducted an on-site inspection of flood-prone areas surrounding Ramanashree California Gardens and Esteem Northwood apartment complexes adjoining Puttenahalli Lake.
The inspection comes ahead of the monsoon season amid growing concerns over urban flooding and sewage overflow in the region.
“Complete the remaining sewage diversion works within 10 days and ensure a permanent solution to water stagnation before monsoon,” Commissioner Pommala Sunil Kumar instructed officials during the inspection.
Puttenahalli Lake Sewage Diversion Work Near Completion
Officials informed the Commissioner that nearly 90 percent of the sewage diversion work linked to the Rajakaluve, or storm water drain, has already been completed. The remaining portion of the work has now been placed on priority to avoid flooding during heavy rainfall.
Earlier, authorities had closed the Rajakaluve connected to Puttenahalli Lake after untreated sewage water began flowing into the storm water drain, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
Following severe flooding witnessed in the locality during the heavy rains of 2024, civic agencies initiated multiple infrastructure measures to permanently address the issue.
NGT Case and Forest Department Permissions Delayed Work
Authorities stated that the project area falls under the jurisdiction of the Karnataka Forest Department, due to which the matter had reached the National Green Tribunal. An interim stay order had temporarily delayed certain works in the area.
Subsequently, permissions were granted for the underground sewage pipeline project and related diversion works aimed at preventing water stagnation near Puttenahalli Lake during intense rainfall.
Officials said the remaining work to reconnect the Rajakaluve to the lake is yet to begin and will be taken up shortly after completion of the diversion process.
BNCC Focuses on Monsoon Preparedness in Bengaluru
During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the pace of the ongoing works and directed engineers and officials to complete all pending infrastructure works before the onset of monsoon.
Representatives from the Forest Department, BWSSB, corporation engineers and other concerned officials were present during the site visit.
The development is expected to bring major relief to residents living near Puttenahalli Lake, who have repeatedly faced flooding, sewage overflow and water stagnation during heavy rains in recent years.
