Why is Bengaluru flooding? 10 reasons behind the city's rain woes!

As heavy rains continue to lash Bengaluru this pre-monsoon season, the city has once again come to a standstill. Roads are submerged, homes are flooded, and traffic chaos reigns — leaving citizens to ask: why does this happen year after year? Here's a closer look at 10 key reasons behind the recurring flood crisis:

Also Read: As Bengaluru reels under rains, Shivakumar’s ‘God too can’t fix city’ confession haunts him

1. BBMP’s Negligence and Inaction

The civic body has been slow to act despite repeated warnings. Delays and poor execution plague critical infrastructure work.

2. No Pre-Monsoon Preparedness

Year after year, pre-monsoon desilting and drain-cleaning exercises are either skipped or started too late.

3. Silted Stormwater Drains

Royal canals (rajakaluves) remain clogged due to lack of dredging, restricting water flow during rains.

4. Ignored Past Flood Lessons

Despite past flooding episodes, no major preventive steps have been taken to avoid repeat disasters.

5. Garbage-Choked Drains

Drains filled with plastic and waste continue to block natural drainage, causing severe waterlogging.

6. Lake and Layout Encroachments

Illegal constructions on lakebeds and buffer zones have destroyed natural catchment areas.

7. Shrinking Rajakaluves

Encroachments have narrowed these canals, reducing water-carrying capacity.

8. Lack of Tech Integration

The city has failed to adopt smart drainage monitoring or real-time water management systems.

9. Profit Over Planning

Reckless urbanization and profit-driven land use have outpaced infrastructure development.

10. Low-Lying Areas Ignored

Areas prone to flooding remain unplanned and underprotected, leaving residents vulnerable each time it rains.