Cooke Town Residents Protest Unnecessary Concrete Drain Reconstruction by BNCC

Residents of Cooke Town in Bengaluru have expressed strong anger over ongoing reinforced cement concrete shoulder drain works being executed by the Bengaluru North City Corporation, questioning the need to demolish functional granite drains.

Local residents stated that the existing drains were in good condition and that the neighbourhood had not faced flooding or waterlogging issues, except along a stretch of 6th Cross on Hutchins Road. They pointed out that the reconstruction has left them dealing with debris, disruption, and narrowed pedestrian space.

Francis Xavier, a High Court lawyer residing on Hutchins Road, stated that the work was unnecessary and that he had warned the contractor regarding poor construction quality. Xavier alleged that workers damaged a Cauvery water supply pipe and his recently renovated compound wall, leaving him to bear the repair costs.

Another resident, Prasun Banerjee, noted that the project was not senior-citizen-friendly and questioned why taxpayer funds were being spent to demolish and rebuild functional infrastructure. Resident Som T criticised the replacement of long-lasting granite stormwater drains with concrete structures, claiming the new work does not adhere to technical standards and that cover slabs are already breaking.

Albert R, president of the Cooke Town Nivasigala Sangha, criticised the timing and execution of the project, stating that the holding capacity of the drains had been reduced, footpaths narrowed, and proper water curing was not being carried out. Resident Chandan S raised concerns over the lack of coordination between civic agencies and the absence of clarity regarding the proposed width and depth of the stormwater drains.

Raja Shanmugam, president of the Cooke Town Residents Welfare Association, pointed out that simultaneous shoulder drain construction and unfinished works by the BWSSB have caused severe inconvenience, urging authorities to clear debris promptly.

In response to the complaints, BNCC Assistant Executive Engineer Priyadarshini C stated that the shoulder drain works were taken up based on a representation submitted by a residents' welfare association, and requested residents to wait until the project is completed.