Bengaluru’s May rains expose cracks: citizen action urged to fix governance

Bengaluru’s heavy rains from May 18 to 21 have exposed critical cracks in the city’s infrastructure and governance, causing an estimated loss of ₹198 crore to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Despite annual budget allocations for infrastructure, over 343 kilometres of roads were severely damaged, with 878 stretches identified as needing urgent repairs.

The downpour washed away roads, leaving them broken and dangerous, described as "skeletal remains". The tragedy extended beyond infrastructure, with four fatalities reported due to falling trees and untrimmed branches, highlighting negligence in civic maintenance.

The city’s challenges are compounded by increasing congestion and waste management issues, producing 6,300 metric tonnes of garbage daily. The recent events have tarnished Bengaluru’s image, with frequent incidents of road rage, flooding, and traffic woes.

Experts and citizens alike emphasize that governance cannot be outsourced solely to government bodies. A people-first ethos is essential to leverage development and infrastructure improvements effectively.

“We cannot outsource city governance to governments and their city management bodies. It is just too important for that,” a civic observer noted.

The recent rains have thus become a wake-up call for citizen action to fix governance and infrastructure, ensuring Bengaluru’s resilience against future crises.

Bengaluru’s heavy May rains caused ₹198 crore in damages, exposing poor infrastructure and governance failures. Over 343 km of roads were severely damaged, with 878 stretches needing urgent repair. Four fatalities occurred due to falling trees. Citizens are urged to take action to improve city management and infrastructure.