Heavy rains trigger flooding, disrupt daily life in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Overnight downpours wreaked havoc in Bengaluru, causing severe waterlogging across several areas, especially around the Kodigehalli and Yelahanka underpasses. Homes were inundated, and roads submerged, prompting rescue efforts and disrupting public services.
In Kodigehalli, the compound wall of the GKVK campus collapsed near Judicial Layout, causing flooding in nearby apartments. Residents of Kendriya Vihar in Yelahanka, which has been frequently impacted by rains, were asked to evacuate.
"Another compound wall has collapsed, and the water level is much higher this time. We were told to evacuate, and NDRF boats have arrived. There will be no power or drinking water for 24-48 hours," said Amruth Kiran, a resident of the complex.
The Yelahanka zonal commissioner inspected the flood-hit areas, while the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) confirmed via a post on X that dewatering efforts were underway. Several homes in layouts such as Basava Samithi, Venkataswamappa, MS Palya, and Telecom Layout also reported flooding.
The impact of the heavy rains extended to air travel as well. Kempegowda International Airport experienced significant disruptions with 20 delayed arrivals. Three IndiGo flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh, along with one Air India flight from Delhi and an international flight from Bangkok, were diverted to Chennai.
The Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner, Jagadish G., ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centres on Monday due to the severe weather. Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda visited rain-affected areas and confirmed that the Doddabommasandra Lake overflowed for the first time in 17 years, flooding several lower-lying layouts, including Tatanagar, Bhadrappa Layout, and Balaji Layout. In some places, water levels rose as high as six feet, with power outages reported across the affected zones.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for South Interior Karnataka, including Bengaluru, predicting heavy rains to continue. Over the next 48 hours, the IMD forecasts moderate showers with temperatures ranging from 20 to 29 degrees Celsius. Bengaluru city is expected to receive 17.1 mm of rain, while areas around Bengaluru International Airport and HAL Airport could see 42.7 mm and 36.3 mm, respectively.
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BJP holds protests against Kejriwal, alleges misuse of taxpayers' money in 'Sheeshmahal'
New Delhi (PTI): BJP leaders and workers staged protests across the city, accusing AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal of spending taxpayers' money on personal comfort during his tenure as Delhi chief minister.
The BJP leaders alleged that Kejriwal spent crores on lavish items and modern facilities at his official residence at 6 Flagstaff Road.
Kejriwal after resigning as Delhi Chief minister vacated the Flagstaff Road bungalow in Civil Lines earlier this month.
In a protest near Kejriwal's current residence on Firozshah Road, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that 15 toilet seats installed at "Sheeshmahal" (Flagstaff Road bungalow) after spending lakhs of rupees were missing.
"We are protesting to tell people how Kejriwal spent taxpayers money on toilet seats worth Rs 12 lakhs. Fifteen such toilet seats were stolen," Sachdeva charged.
The AAP has remained silent over the issue, with Chief Minister Atishi earlier stating that the BJP could "take over" the Flagstaff Road bungalow and she will continue to work for Delhi's people even if she had to do it sitting on the street.
"Arvind Kejriwal will have to give an account of the crores of rupees from the taxpayers money spent on providing him a luxurious stay at the Sheeshmahal," Sachdeva said.
Alka Gurjar, co-incharge of Delhi BJP, said the issue directly impacts the people as taxpayers' money was involved and AAP cannot be allowed to "loot" it.
