Bengaluru rains: Karnataka govt issues work-from-home advisory to IT-BT, pvt companies for Oct 16

Bengaluru rains: A wall collapse occurred in Manyata Tech Park. It has been waterlogged since Tuesday.

The Karnataka government on October 15 issued a work-from-home advisory to IT-BT and private firms in Bengaluru for October 16.

"In light of the continuous heavy rains in Bengaluru and the orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department, we are prioritising the safety and well-being of all employees working in IT, BT, and private companies located in Bengaluru," the advisory issued by the Karnataka Innovation & Technology Society (KITS) stated. KITS operates under the Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology of the Karnataka government.

"As transportation systems may be disrupted due to flooding, waterlogging, and traffic congestion, commuting to office premises could pose risks. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that IT, BT, and private companies permit their employees to work from home (WFH) on October 16, 2024," it added.

Also, read: Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru flooded; techies demand WFH, govt announces holiday for schools

Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha declared a holiday for schools and anganwadis on Wednesday (October 16). However, colleges will remain open. October 17 is a public holiday in observance of Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti.

Also, read: Bengaluru rains: School buses stranded on flooded road, students rescued in tractors near tech hub ORR

Heavy rains have lashed the city since Monday night, leaving it reeling from flooded roads and traffic gridlocks. Techies have been demanding that the state government issue an advisory to companies to provide work-from-home arrangements.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has instructed authorities to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu districts for October 15 following the meteorological department’s forecast of heavy rain. The chief minister on October 14, who reviewed the state's monsoon preparedness, also directed authorities to issue an advisory allowing employees of IT companies in the four districts to work from home from October 15 to 18.