Locals express dismay over the unexpected outcomes of lake rejuvenation, facing sleepless nights and challenges with flooded roads during the monsoon, prompting complaints to local authorities
Approximately 4,000 families residing in and around RK Township at Yarandahalli express concerns about their safety during the monsoon season. Following Saturday’s rainfall, the area resembles Sai Layout, known for flooding during heavy downpours in the city.
Citizens expressed surprise at the unexpected consequence of lake rejuvenation, resulting in sleepless nights during the monsoon. They recounted facing numerous challenges when local roads were inundated with industrial effluents from the nearby Jigani-Bommasandra industrial area last year.
“We were happy when conservationist and environmentalist Anand Malligavad and a corporate company organised meetings on the rejuvenation of the lake at Yarandahalli. Now, we are compelled to face problems due to unscientific rejuvenation of the water body,’’ said YS Satish Chandra, president, of RK Township citizens welfare association.
He mentioned having already lodged a complaint with Hennagara Panchayat regarding road flooding during the monsoon. “The Panchayat officer initiated steps to clear silt from one drain, but it’s crucial for all drains to be silt-free for effective rainwater flow into the lake,” he emphasised, noting that currently, the drains fail to channel rainwater into the lake.
Expressing worry about the state of drains in RK Township, Nagaraj H Joshi, secretary of the RK Township citizens welfare association, emphasised the need for authorities to widen the stormwater drains to prevent rainwater overflow during the monsoon. “The current drains are insufficient to handle heavy rainfall, leading to overflow,” he remarked, urging concerned authorities to address the issue promptly. Despite approaching Hennagara Panchayat and detailing the drain conditions, no action has been taken thus far, Joshi lamented.
Meanwhile, Nachu, a long-time occupant, highlighted her experience of residing in the area for the past eight years. “I never encountered waterlogging issues before the water body’s rejuvenation. Previously, rainwater would clear from roads within an hour, but now, it takes longer due to flooding,” she observed. Nachu noted that despite facing fewer issues last year due to the city’s highest rainfall deficit, the current situation poses challenges.
Yarandahalli Lake’s rejuvenation reportedly cost around Rs 95 lakh in 2022. When reached for comment, Siddaraju, the Development Officer of Hennagara Panchayat, cited election-related commitments but assured to address the issue promptly. “I will look into the problem and do the needful to avoid flooding in and around RK Township,’’ he said.
