Bengaluru, 21 May

Even after a night without rain in the City, Sai Layout remains considerably waterlogged on Wednesday.

The 140mm of rainfall, from late Sunday night until Tuesday, resulted in widespread flooding throughout the City. The inhabitants of Sai Layout, however, were particularly affected. Several residences on the ground and first floors remained inaccessible.

A team from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engaged in efforts to clear drainage systems and pump out the accumulated water. Nevertheless, numerous residents expressed their frustration with the gradual pace of the endeavours.

Surya, an IT professional, said, “A single instance of rainfall caused a nearly five-foot increase in water levels, inundating our entire home. We also lack access to potable water because the sump was contaminated.”

Another resident remarked, "the absence of electricity for three days rendered even those of us capable of working remotely unable to do so."

Residents also voiced concerns regarding what they perceive as a political exchange of blame. Many contend that the State and Centre are deferring responsibility, particularly in relation to a small railway culvert that consistently becomes obstructed during rain.

"BBMP states that they are unable to clear the vent as it falls under the jurisdiction of Indian Railways, while railway officials have reportedly denied receiving any such request," a resident said.

The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, after which the locality is named, also sustained significant damage. Dayananda, the temple chairman, reported, “The entire temple has been damaged, and documents have been washed away. The generator, for which I invested Rs 6.5 lakh, is irreparable. All the water from Hebbal is now being diverted here. Twenty years ago, this area was merely a jungle.”

Several families whose ground-floor homes remain flooded say they have no alternative accommodation. Many are unwilling to leave their possessions unattended. Some also reported a lack of substantial evacuation assistance or temporary shelter provided by the government or BBMP.

The repetitive nature of this crisis has left residents feeling exhausted and disillusioned, as Sai Layout continues to confront the same challenges annually, despite assurances from authorities.