Bengaluru rain: CM Siddaramaiah suggests banning basement permissions in flood-prone areas

In the wake of severe waterlogging caused by relentless pre-monsoon showers in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed civic authorities to stop approving building plans that include basements in flood-prone areas.

Also Read: Bengaluru Rains: CM Siddaramaiah visits affected areas, orders reclaiming of encroachments

During his inspection of several rain-affected zones across the city, the Chief Minister noted that in many localities, water had entered basements, damaging vehicles, equipment, and in some cases, electrical infrastructure. “I have instructed officials not to permit basements while approving building plans, especially in low-lying and vulnerable areas,” Siddaramaiah told the media after his visit.

Bengaluru has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past week, leading to urban flooding in several parts of the city including HBR Layout, Sai Layout, and areas near Manyata Tech Park. The Chief Minister, along with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and senior officials, visited these affected areas to assess the damage and oversee relief efforts.

He emphasized that the presence of basements exacerbates the impact of flooding, especially when stormwater drains are encroached upon or poorly maintained. “Water naturally collects in lower levels, and allowing basements in such zones puts lives and property at risk,” he added.

Siddaramaiah also directed immediate clearance of encroachments on stormwater drains and called for coordinated action by civic agencies to address waste dumping and drainage bottlenecks before monsoon intensifies.