UDD to Tackle Hebbal Flooding Crisis

In response to the severe traffic congestion caused by flooding in Hebbal on August 19, the Urban Development Department (UDD) will convene a critical meeting on August 20. The session, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the UDD, aims to tackle the persistent issues at this problematic junction, which experienced a prolonged three-hour traffic jam due to inundation.

According to senior officials, the flooding at Hebbal is primarily attributed to excess water runoff from the Veerannapalya service road along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) during rainfall. However, despite the recurring nature of the problem, civic agencies have struggled to identify the exact source of the water contributing to the flooding.

The Hebbal junction’s complexity is compounded by the involvement of multiple agencies. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is responsible for the Hebbal flyover, while the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) manages Ballari Road up to Esteem Mall. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) oversees the stormwater drains (SWD) and service roads. Additionally, an Indian Railways line runs beneath the flyover. This multi-agency jurisdiction has led to significant coordination challenges. Within the BBMP, there is an ongoing dispute between the road infrastructure officials and the SWD department, with each blaming the other for the flooding issues. This internal conflict underscores the need for a unified approach to address the problem effectively.

Recently, the Revenue Minister had urged the BBMP to address the potholes on the Veerannapalya service road, highlighting the urgency of maintenance and repair work. The upcoming meeting will focus on resolving these issues and improving the management of stormwater in the area to prevent future disruptions. The meeting’s outcomes could be pivotal in improving the traffic situation and mitigating flooding issues in Hebbal, ensuring more effective collaboration among the various agencies involved.