Large-scale damage to power infrastructure in Bengaluru due to rain
BESCOM records Rs 65.3 crore loss this FY
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Bengaluru: Along with causing waterlogging and danger of inundation of houses, the heavy showers in Bengaluru have hit its power infrastructure on a large scale, with 1,465 electricity poles and 190 transformers being damaged this month.
Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) officials have estimated that an additional 600 to 700 poles might be damaged in the next 10 days. The areas under the limits of BESCOM recorded damage of 1,880 electricity poles and 151 transformers in April this year, due to rain. So far, BESCOM’s loss due to rain in the Financial Year 2025-26 is recorded to be Rs 65.3 crore, reports The Hindu.
In April this year, the city witnessed a threefold hike in damage to power poles, as against the damage in April 2024, when 558 poles were affected. While nine transformers were damaged in April 2024, the number increased drastically this year.
The increased intensity of wind and rain has caused the damage in April 2025, according to BESCOM officials. A senior officer added that intensive rainfall started in mid-April this year while in 2024 it was in the last week of the month. Additionally, the number of days when the city received heavy showers accompanied by forceful winds was also much higher this year, as compared to last year, he added, clarifying that, as a result, it would be difficult to compare the level of damage.
The officer also said that loosening of soil due to the civil works going on in Bengaluru has also led to the uprooting of trees. He explained that more than one power pole along a power line would be affected when one tree fell.
BESCOM has said that the problem during such weather had no permanent solution. The officer, however, said that they had contacted the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Forest Department for pre-monsoon maintenance, as it would help alleviate the problem. He explained that the BBMP and Forest Department would take up the maintenance work in mid-January, with BESCOM providing manpower as well as financial and material assistance.
Experts, however, have stressed that a scientific approach towards maintenance and a successful implementation of both aerial and underground cables would be needed to prevent such damage.
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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.
