Bengaluru rains: CM Siddaramaiah orders immediate removal of encroachments on stormwater drains
Bengaluru, May 21 (PTI): Following the havoc caused by rains in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that officials have been given clear instructions to remove encroachments on stormwater drains without delay, regardless of how "influential" the encroachers may be.
He said immediate compensation will be provided to all victims whose houses were damaged by rainwater, following a survey.
Siddaramaiah was speaking to reporters after visiting and inspecting areas affected by the rains over the past couple of days.
"Climate change, issues with the drainage system, encroachments, and silting of stormwater drains are causing recurring problems in Bengaluru during heavy rains. I’m confident we will be able to provide a permanent solution. I’m not saying it will be a hundred per cent fine by the next rains, but we will do as much as possible. People should also cooperate," he said.
Pointing out that Bengaluru received 299 mm of rainfall in 2022—the second highest in 10 years—he added that 132 mm of rainfall was recorded at midnight on May 19.
"I have instructed officials to immediately conduct a survey of the damage and provide compensation," Siddaramaiah said.
He added, "There was a demand for Rs 1 lakh as compensation, but officials have been asked to assess the damage and provide suitable relief. Immediate aid, such as food and shelter, is already being provided to those affected."
Siddaramaiah also said that authorities have been instructed not to grant construction permits for basements in low-lying areas while approving building plans.
"This is because basements tend to flood during heavy rains, and such incidents have occurred in several places. Two people died of electrocution while removing water from a basement," he said.
He further said that of the 210 low-lying areas in Bengaluru, 166 have been identified as sensitive or very sensitive, and precautionary measures have been taken in these zones.
Noting that the government has drawn up plans and undertaken infrastructure development, especially for stormwater drains, Siddaramaiah said, "The stormwater drain network in the city spans about 860 km. Lining work has been completed on 491 km, while work on another 195 km is underway and will be completed by February 2026."
"For the remaining 173 km, work has been taken up through a Rs 2,000 crore loan from the World Bank. The tender process has been completed, and the work order is yet to be issued. Instructions have been given to complete the work within three years," he added.
Siddaramaiah also said that the families of Manmohan Kamath (63) and Dinesh, a 12-year-old boy who were electrocuted while clearing rainwater from the basement of an apartment complex near BTM Layout 2nd Stage, were given Rs 5 lakh each as compensation by the corporation.
On Wednesday, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) was also instructed to provide Rs 5 lakh each on humanitarian grounds.
Additionally, Rs 5 lakh will be given to the kin of a person killed in Koramangala due to a tree falling.
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New Zealand women's captain Sophie Devine to retire from ODIs after World Cup
Auckland, Jun 17 (PTI): New Zealand women's team captain and prolific all-rounder Sophie Devine will retire from the ODIs after the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later this year.
The 35-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most prolific all-rounders in women's cricket, having amassed 3990 runs from 152 ODIs at an average of 31.66 with the help of eight centuries. She has also scored 3431 runs from 146 T20Is with one century.
She has also taken 107 and 119 wickets in the ODIs and T20Is respectively. She, however, has not played in any Test.
"It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away. I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the WHITE FERNS," said Devine in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday.
Devine's statement came ahead of the announcement of the 17 centrally contracted players by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday. She will remain available for T20I cricket on a "casual playing arrangement" but will not be centrally contracted.
"It's important that everyone knows I'm focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away. I'm really excited by where this young group’s going and I'm looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months."
Her decision to retire after the ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2 came after Devine took a break from cricket to prioritise her mental health in January. She will lead the team in the ODI World Cup in September.
Devine was permanent captain of the White Ferns in 2020, and has since led the team to new heights, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and a maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup victory last year.
NZC's head of women's high performance Liz Green said Devine had the organisation's full support.
"Sophie's given nearly 20 years of service to the White Ferns and NZC is fully supportive of her quest to find more balance at this stage in her career," Green said.
"We're pleased to be able to reach an agreement that means she can continue to be involved with the White Ferns on a case-by-case basis, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full."
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contribution to the White Ferns.
"Sophie has been an extraordinary leader and ambassador for the WHITE FERNS. Supporting her move to a casual playing agreement will allow her to continue contributing to the WHITE FERNS environment," he said.
The White Ferns are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against seven-time champions Australia on October 1 in Indore.
