Bengaluru’s usual flood hotspots, some near IT hub, stay dry despite heavy rainfall — Here’s why

Waterlogging at Yelahanka on Airport Road in Bengaluru.

In a surprising turn this monsoon, areas in Bengaluru that usually dominate headlines for severe flooding - Rainbow Drive Layout, Kendriya Vihar and the EcoSpace stretch on Outer Ring Road (ORR) - remained largely unaffected despite the city receiving over 100mm of rain in a single day.

Unlike previous years, visuals of inundated streets, marooned vehicles and residents wading through knee-deep water were notably absent.

As reported by TOI, proactive infrastructure upgrades and drainage improvements played a key role in preventing the annual chaos.

In Yelahanka’s Kendriya Vihar, which houses around 2,500 residents, the monsoon usually brings tension. But not this time. Resident R Shiva Prasad, who has lived in the community for 17 years, said it was a relief not to experience flooding this year. He noted that although the lake nearby had breached, it did not impact homes - a significant change from previous years.
According to TOI, a newly constructed drain connecting Yelahanka Lake to Jakkur Lake has been instrumental. Currently 50% full, it allows for better water diversion away from residential areas. BBMP administrator Tushar Giri Nath confirmed that rainwater was diverted into Geddalahalli and an urban drain was added to facilitate flow. These measures, he said, also improved water availability for nearby farmland.

Rainbow Drive Layout, which saw dramatic evacuations in 2022, has experienced only mild waterlogging so far this year. A resident told TOI that while there was some water accumulation at the entrance, it was significantly less severe than in past years. However, concerns remain about the upcoming peak monsoon months.

Giri Nath pointed out that although an automatic pump system and a side drain have been installed to tackle the issue, the solution is temporary and depends on sustained cooperation from residents.

The ORR stretch near EcoSpace, home to large tech parks and historically prone to flooding, has seen marginal improvement. Better drain maintenance and ongoing roadworks have contributed to the change, according to civic officials quoted by TOI.

Yet, challenges continue due to concrete slabs covering the drains, making routine cleaning difficult and causing blockages. Still, BBMP's broader flood-mitigation work appears to be making headway.
Out of 210 identified flood-prone spots in the city, BBMP has completed work in 166, with 24 sites currently under development and work in 20 more set to begin soon. Giri Nath told TOI this has helped reduce flooding in localities like Marathahalli, Bellandur, Sarjapur, Iblur and key stretches of ORR.