bangalorebeats

Pre-Independence Day Jam In Bangalore

August 14 sees a lots of preparation in most Parts of India. As this is the day before Indian independence day. Recent incidents of terrorist activity has resulted in hightened security and cultural programs and functions among others are there as usual. But this year August 14 was unique. Looked as if Bangalore has come to a halt. I have never seen such a situation on Bangalore roads before. In the evening on the way from my office I have not encounted much traffic. It was as usual on that route. One of my friend dropped me home on his bike. At night my another friend was supposed to leave for her home town. I went along with her to drop her to the BMTC bus bus stand. It was raining continiously and maddening ruch of people was just increasing. This month Bangalore has received good rain, may be much more than it typically receives. People who always use the Auto had to leave the comfort of Auto, had to board the BMTC buses as auto could not move in water inundated areas. While looking for auto, my eyes fell on the storm water drain which was flowing like gushing small stream. Luckily, she got a Auto but at a price – Rs 200. Her bus was at 10.15 pm from Majestic bus stand. I suspected if they would be able to catch the bus. By the time she reached Majestic it was over 11 pm.  It was a human sea that night in Majestic, completely packed to the capacity. Buses could not move out of their respective terminals as there were no space. It was a human sea that night in Majestic, packed to capacity.

By the way, they spotted the bus after little search. It could not leave as there was no way out from the bus stand. I was told the bus left post 12 am. By the time it reached Jalahalli post it was past 1 am. The epi centre of this massive jam was Majestic. From Mysore bank vehicles did not move for hours altogether. My friend as well other people get down from the bus and walked to reach Majestic bus stand. I heard people reached home as late as 1.30 – 2 am.

So we can infer from this that if the rain god opens up his hand too much then it will just led to mpre such situations. Bangalore’s drains do have the capacity to bear and chanalize water. The depth of roadside drains are almost negligible. I still remember what happned in 2005. Flood revisited again in 2007 in Bangalore. The civic authorities should take pro-active actions in this field. If this issues are not fixed then on the long run we will loose out to Chennai and Hyderabad.