Blocked drains and flooded homes: JP Nagar’s nightmare

JP Nagar 7th Phase residents face waterlogging from clogged drains and incomplete work, urging urgent action before next rains worsen situation

JP Nagar 7th Phase residents are struggling with drain overflow during rains, flooding their homes and sumps. The issue remains unresolved despite local MLA Krishnappa’s visit to assess the situation. Around 50 houses in the area are severely impacted, with residents pointing to unscientific planning by authorities as the root cause.

The issue started years ago but has worsened recently. Residents say initial efforts to address the problem were abandoned midway, leaving shoulder drains incomplete and cross-drains blocked.

“Now, water flows on just one side of the drain. Small gaps between fallen slabs let some water through, but that’s not enough. Trash from open fields and untreated sewage from nearby houses also block the drains. Water enters our homes whenever it rains, and we have to pump it out and refill our sumps,” said a resident.

The resident mentioned that the issue has been ongoing since 2000. “There are multiple issues. One of the apartments releases untreated sewage into the stormwater drain. The other is that since our area is at a lower level, rainwater and sewage flow downhill into our homes. The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) started work to fix this by interconnecting the shoulder drains, but it’s been left incomplete. During last month’s rains, the flooding was severe.

Adding to the woes, stagnant water in the drains has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” said the resident.
Joshua Sinto from the Aam Aadmi Party expressed solidarity with the residents. “Drainage problems should not sap our patience. It’s high time the authorities address this issue before people lose complete faith in the system. Cleanliness is not a luxury but a necessity, and we will continue to knock on every door for a healthier tomorrow.”

Since our area is at lower level, rainwater & sewage flow downhill into our homes. BBMP started work to fix this, but it’s left incomplete – Resident

Since our area is at lower level, rainwater & sewage flow downhill into our homes. BBMP started work to fix this, but it’s left incomplete– Resident

Residents say MLA Krishnappa directed the BBMP to address the problem and even sanctioned the work. However, after initial progress, the work stopped without explanation. The residents are demanding immediate action to clear blockages, ensure water flows on both sides of the drain, and address sewage inflow. They fear more flooding if the issues are not resolved before the next spell of heavy rain.

With growing frustration, the community vows to keep pressing authorities until a permanent solution is implemented.