My 1st hands-on experience with BBMP 🚧

I had raised a complaint about water overflowing in a drainage near my locality. Not in the layout that I reside but in the very next layout, to be precise. I raised this issue a month ago but it was resolved (partially) today i.e, 19th August 2022. I had to do a follow-up with the Assistant Engineer, who in turn gave me the contact of the work team Engineering department. So I had to follow up with this on-ground team for over a month to get the required labor to clean the debris blocking the free passage of drainage.

In this case, there were 2 roadside drainages in the layout, one completely developed and slabs laid; making it walkable. Another one was partially developed and half incomplete towards the connecting point to Rajakaluve (A main, larger drainage). When residents were letting the water flow in this incomplete drain that was partially filled with garbage, debris, it caused an overflowing in the nearby sites and roads. This caused the breeding of mosquitoes and produced a foul smell.

The person from the Engineering team said that the labor contract was expired and the delay was due to the same — labor shortage or unavailability. They had to call for a new tender to rope in labor. Today, 2 laborers came in to clear the debris from the drainage. But the problem wouldn’t simply end by doing that, because this would result in water getting clogged again further ahead.

So the solution would be to desilt the entire stretch of that drain, around 200 meters, and lay 3 culverts in each of the three sub-roads to ensure the drain water reaches the nearby major Rajakaluve without any impediments. There were neighbors around asking for the same solution as they were concerned about their homes being flooded with drainage water.

Key learnings:
1: Try to understand the complete picture of the problem
Ex: Why has it not been addressed already, Why aren’t the neighbors concerned, see if there is a pending complaint, etc

2: Try to contact the locals about the problem and schedule a site visit with the Engineer or his Assistants

3: Try to be understanding of the problems of both the citizens and public servants and try to find a mutual solution that minimizes inconvenience to the general public.