Mon May 19 16:38:33 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Following unprecedented rainfall in Bengaluru causing severe flooding, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reviewed the city’s rain-relief measures and SWD renovation and repairs, including removing silt and clearing of encroachments from storm-water drains (SWDs) on a war-footing. He addressed criticism by highlighting ongoing efforts to clear encroachments and remodel SWDs, including securing a World Bank loan for the projects. He is also postponing his visit to the affected areas due to traffic concerns and to ensure better assessment during daylight hours. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed traffic bottlenecks and emphasized ongoing efforts to address flooding, including collaborating with railway authorities.

**News Article:**

**Bengaluru Grapples with Flood Aftermath: CM Siddaramaiah Announces War-Footing Renovation of Storm-Water Drains**

**Bengaluru, May 19, 2025** – Bengaluru is facing widespread flooding after unprecedented rainfall of 104 mm in the last 24 hours, prompting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to announce immediate measures to address the crisis. During a review at the BBMP war room, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to remodel and desilt storm-water drains (SWDs).

“We are taking this situation extremely seriously,” CM Siddaramaiah stated. “Remodelling and removing silt from clogged SWDs is being taken up on a war footing.” He addressed criticism from opposition parties by underscoring ongoing efforts to clear encroachments on SWDs, announcing that 2,326 of 4,292 identified encroachments have already been removed, but ensuring strict actions without any bias.

The Chief Minister highlighted the city’s extensive SWD network, totaling 859.90 km. He also noted that 491 km of drains have retaining walls, and construction is underway for another 195 km. “We have secured a loan from the World Bank to remodel 173 km of SWDs. Once this work is completed, we expect to significantly reduce flooding risks,” he explained.

Furthermore, 210 low-lying areas have been identified as sensitive and hyper-sensitive. Work is currently complete for 166 of these areas, and work is in progress in 44 others with 24 under immediate construction.

Originally planning an immediate tour of affected areas, CM Siddaramaiah postponed the visit to May 21, citing concerns over evening traffic congestion and the need for daylight assessment.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, addressed traffic bottlenecks and assured the public that the government is actively working to resolve the situation. “Traffic police have identified 132 sensitive traffic zones, and we’ve addressed 81 of these so far. We still have 41 spots to work on,” he said.

Shivakumar pointed out that flooding had been severe at Silk Board and Hebbal junctions, and railway authorities were already entrusted with a solution to ease the overflow. Shivakumar assured permanent teams are in place to clear fallen trees swiftly and minimize public inconvenience.

The government has assured residents that it is committed to addressing the flooding and is working diligently to implement long-term solutions.

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