Bengaluru’s 2024 milestones and tragedies

Water Supply Milestone
Bengaluru marked a major civic achievement in 2024 with the completion of the Cauvery Stage-V water supply project. By October, 110 newly added villages in the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) received a long-awaited water and sewage network. The project delivers 775 MLD of drinking water from Torekadnahalli in Mandya, providing relief to residents. However, a potential water tariff hike was announced due to financial constraints on the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), as per Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

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Tax Reforms and Digital Initiatives
In April, Bengaluru launched a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, reducing interest rates for long-time property tax defaulters. By November 30, the initiative had yielded a record Rs 4,284 crore in collections. Complementing this, BBMP introduced the ‘e-khata’ digital platform, streamlining property documentation and issuing 61,000 e-khatas in just two months.

Infrastructure Upgrades
BBMP invested Rs 1,800 crore to white-top 157 km of city roads, aiming to enhance durability. However, environmentalists voiced concerns about reduced groundwater recharge due to excessive concretisation.

Record Rainfall and Flooding
Tragedy struck on June 2 when Bengaluru witnessed 111 mm of rainfall, the highest in 133 years. Severe flooding affected areas like Kendriya Vihar Apartments and Sai Baba Layout, prompting rescue efforts by the NDRF and BBMP personnel.

Bengaluru’s year was a mix of progress and challenges, shaping the city’s trajectory.