Cambridge Layout Drain Desilting Delays Cause Sump Flooding

Residents of Cambridge Layout in Bengaluru are incurring steep financial expenses and recurring health hazards as dirty water floods their sumps following recent downpours. The severe waterlogging in the area has been blamed on delayed maintenance and choked stormwater drains, leaving residents struggling to pay for repeated clean-ups after every heavy spell of rain.

The issue affects both Cambridge Layout and neighbouring Halasuru, where choked channels force filthy drain water to flow in reverse during downpours. With rainwater unable to pass through the main drain, streets become flooded and dirty water pushes directly into residential sumps. Residents reported that workers specializing in sump cleaning demand arbitrary rates, leaving households with heavy bills to clean their drinking water storage every few days or on a weekly basis.

According to Cambridge Layout Residents’ Welfare Association president Srinivasa Murthy P, pleas made to elected representatives and civic authorities during ward committee meetings since January have gone unanswered. Residents complained that stormwater drain engineers and the assigned contractor have displayed apathy despite frequent reminders.

A primary bottleneck identified by residents is the section of the stormwater drain near Aryabhatta Bridge, which passes through the ISRO Housing Colony compound. Accumulated silt, weeds, garbage, and debris at this location have restricted the free flow of rainwater. Residents urged authorities to clear the entire stretch without further delay to prevent severe flooding as more rain hits the city.

The desilting project was originally scheduled for completion by April or May. However, work has been delayed by more than two months despite the availability of funds, with the contractor stopping operations under various pretexts.

Addressing the complaints, a Bengaluru Central City Corporation (BCCC) Assistant Engineer for stormwater drains stated that the contractor halted desilting due to technical reasons. The official assured that work is expected to resume in a day or two. The assistant engineer added that a letter has already been written seeking a meeting to discuss the drain section passing through the ISRO Housing Colony compound.