Rain Paralyses Bengaluru: Waterlogged Streets, MLA Uses JCB to Assess Damage

Bengaluru was thrown into disarray on May 18-19, 2025, as relentless rainfall flooded roads, turning them into virtual ponds. Sai Layout in Horamavu bore the brunt, with water levels reaching 4-5 feet. Amid the crisis, local MLA B. Basavaraj made a striking appearance, inspecting the waterlogged areas on a JCB bulldozer, underscoring the city’s chronic infrastructure woes. 

Extent of the Deluge
The downpour, among the heaviest this year, overwhelmed Bengaluru’s outdated drainage system. Major roads like Koramangala’s 80 Feet Road and Sarjapur turned into streams, stranding commuters and submerging vehicles.  In Sai Layout, over 30 homes reported flooding, with basements inundated. The IMD’s yellow alert predicts rain until May 25, raising fears of worsening conditions.

MLA’s Dramatic Response

MLA B. Basavaraj, representing the Krishnarajapuram constituency, navigated Sai Layout’s flooded streets on a bulldozer, a move both practical and symbolic. Visuals of the inspection went viral, with netizens praising his hands-on approach while others sarcastically suggested boats for commuting. Basavaraj directed civic agencies to deploy pumps and clear drains, but the gesture highlighted Bengaluru’s recurring failure to address waterlogging despite its tech-hub status.

Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
Bengaluru’s flooding crisis exposes its crumbling infrastructure. Encroached stormwater drains and unchecked urban sprawl in areas like Mahadevapura and Bommanahalli exacerbate the problem. Past incidents, like the 2022 floods costing IT firms ₹225 crore, underline the issue’s persistence. Residents criticized the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for neglecting drain maintenance, with some jokingly calling the city “Brand Bengaluru, the Venice of India.”

Path to Recovery
The BBMP and traffic police are working to clear water and fallen trees, but solutions remain temporary. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised funds for flood prevention, yet civic officials doubt results by 2025. As Bengaluru grapples with traffic chaos and property damage, the crisis demands long-term urban planning to restore the city’s resilience and livability.