Tue Dec 24 16:28:29 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru’s Pothole and Flooding Problems Persist Despite Mitigation Efforts
**Bengaluru, December 24, 2024** – Despite efforts by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bengaluru continues to grapple with recurring issues of potholes and flooding. While the BBMP claims a reduction in flooded homes compared to previous years (from over 10,000 to under 2,000), the city experienced significant disruptions throughout 2024.
Heavy rainfall, beginning in May, resulted in widespread flooding, tree falls, and the reappearance of numerous potholes. Incidents included the collapse of 126 trees and 125 branches on May 6th alone, leading to two fatalities and at least six injuries. Despite preventative measures, many underpasses flooded, though proactive closures by the BBMP and traffic police prevented further deaths. October saw particularly severe flooding, inundating basements of apartment complexes and homes across the city.
The BBMP has identified and addressed over 10,000 potholes this year, spending approximately ₹35 crore on repairs. However, citizens report that many potholes reappear quickly due to poor repair work, particularly after flooding. The uneven road surfaces following repairs highlight a shortcoming in the BBMP’s quick-fix approach. The BBMP launched the “Raste Gundi Gamana” mobile app to facilitate pothole reporting, and recently piloted a new Ecofix technology using industrial waste for pothole filling, aiming for more durable repairs, especially during monsoon season.
While the BBMP maintains that flood mitigation measures, including clearing stormwater drain encroachments, are yielding positive results, the persistent pothole problem and recurring flooding underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the city’s infrastructure. Citizens remain frustrated by the inadequate and short-lived repairs, demanding more effective long-term solutions.
First Piper 