Bengaluru rains: Sai Layout still submerged days after rain; Residents question on relief efforts
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Bengaluru (PTI): Even after a night without rain in the city, Sai Layout in North Bengaluru remains considerably waterlogged on Wednesday. This situation underscores the area's susceptibility as a low-lying residential area with enduring drainage issues.
The recent rainfall of 140 mm, which occurred from late Sunday night until Tuesday, has resulted in widespread flooding throughout the city; however, the inhabitants of Sai Layout have been particularly affected. Several residences on the ground and first floors remain inaccessible, and civic authorities are still actively involved in rescue and relief operations.
Presently, a team from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is engaged in efforts to clear drainage systems and pump out the accumulated water. Nevertheless, numerous residents have expressed their frustration with the gradual pace of these endeavors.
Surya, an IT professional residing in the area, conveyed his distress, stating, “For the past three days, it has been a distressing experience. 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 has been contaminated.” He further mentioned that the flooding problem in the layout recurs with each episode of rainfall.
Another resident remarked, "The absence of electricity for three days has rendered even those of us capable of working remotely unable to do so."
Residents have also articulated their concerns regarding what they perceive as a political exchange of blame concerning the absence of a lasting resolution. Many contend that the state and central governments are deferring responsibility, particularly in relation to a small railway culvert that consistently becomes obstructed during periods of rain.
A resident explained to PTI, "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. This impasse has become a recurring justification, with no tangible progress observed year after year."
The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, after which the locality is named, has also sustained significant damage due to the flooding. Dayananda, the temple chairman, reported, “The entire temple has been damaged, and documents have been washed away. The generator, on which I invested Rs 6.5 lakh, is irreparable. Owing to inadequate planning, all the water from Hebbal is now being diverted here. Twenty years ago, this area was merely a jungle. I established this place with faith, and now the residents wish to leave.”
Ramesh, a long-term resident, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the chronic and unresolved drainage problems. "BBMP officials are present, but their progress is very slow. The primary issue is the railway track vent, which is insufficiently wide to allow proper water flow. A larger culvert is necessary to prevent our problems from persisting.”
Several families whose ground-floor homes remain flooded are reluctant to evacuate, indicating that they have no alternative accommodation. Many residents are unwilling to leave their possessions unattended. Some residents have 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 that have yielded minimal lasting impact.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar are scheduled to visit Sai Layout today as part of their assessment of flood-affected areas across the city. Residents are hopeful that their visit will lead to a permanent resolution to their ongoing difficulties.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
