Residents of Mallathahalli say flood fears are back as the drain remains blocked

According to residents, the flooding occurred after the natural path of rainwater in the area was disrupted, causing rainwater to accumulate during periods of intense rainfall. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

For the residents of Mallathahalli, the monsoon has become a season of anxiety rather than relief, bringing memories of flooded streets, submerged vehicles and sleepless nights. People living in NGEF Layout said they have been facing recurring floods since 2017.

According to residents, the flooding occurred after the natural path of rainwater in the area was disrupted, causing rainwater to accumulate during periods of intense rainfall.

Naveen BG, a local resident, said that repeated complaints have been lodged with the civic authorities over the years, but a permanent solution is still difficult to find. “The whole site was there for a long time. The problem started in 2017, when the construction of the apartment began. It was discovered and all the adjacent properties were flooded,” he said.

Mr Naveen said residents had approached several civic agencies for intervention between 2017 and 2020. After inspections and studies commissioned by the civic body, a drainage infrastructure was finally created to divert rainwater from the upper areas to the existing drainage network downstream.

Worry

Residents said the measures have helped reduce flooding in recent years, although they have not completely eliminated the problem. However, they claimed that a new problem in the drainage channel since March this year has again raised pre-monsoon fears.

“Three months ago, they blocked the drain. We have approached the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the commissioner, but nothing has happened till now. The AEE (Assistant Executive Engineer) and the Chief Engineer have come to the site several times, but it is still blocked,” Mr Naveen said.

The district has witnessed severe flooding in the past. Residents recall a major incident in June 2020, when intense rain flooded roads and homes. When water entered residential properties, vehicles were engulfed and household items were damaged.

Sadashiv A., another resident, said flooding has become a recurring problem and heavy rainfall often inundates roads and residential plots. According to him, the accumulation of water during intense rains is so severe that parts of the area act like a “swimming pool”, affecting residents including the elderly.

You need a workable solution

Officials from the GBA are said to have carried out several inspections following recent complaints. However, residents claimed that no concrete steps were taken to clear the blockage and restore the free flow of rainwater.

A GBA official said he was not aware of the issue and said the matter would be looked into and that they would explore possible solutions in consultation with residents.

Published – 19 Jun 2026 01:07 IST