Bengaluru: The Karnataka government Sunday announced a compensation of Rs 10,000 for the families whose homes have been impacted by the flooding in Bengaluru as rains continue to pound India’s IT capital, throwing life out of gear.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the relief after the government and city administration came under heavy criticism after the rains exposed Bengaluru’s poor infrastructure.
“Immediate action is being taken to address flood-prone areas and reduce pain points across the city. A compensation of ₹10,000 will be provided to families affected by recent flooding,” Shivakumar posted on X.
With the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) now operational, expectations are high for Shivakumar, as vice-chairman, to deliver tangible progress in Bengaluru’s development or, at least, stem the slide in the city of 14 million.
After extensive consultations with legislators and officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, we have taken the following decisions to address pressing urban challenges and improve city infrastructure:
Flood Management
1⃣Immediate action is being taken to address flood-prone… https://t.co/j6ayp33YMM
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 25, 2025
The deputy chief minister is also the minister in charge of Bengaluru, and with no elected council since September 2020, Shivakumar is widely seen as the city’s de facto mayor.
Shivakumar has been pushing to improve the image of ‘Brand Bengaluru’, but the recent rains have disrupted the efforts, with the city facing heavy criticism for widespread flooding, potholed roads and incomplete public infrastructure projects.
Bengaluru is India’s technology hub, but has long struggled with poor public infrastructure, corruption and extensive encroachment of its lakes and waterways, causing flooding and turning city roads into rivers.
In the last two weeks, several homes have been hit by flooding, with boats and tractors being used to rescue people.
On Sunday, the meteorological department warned of more rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 50 kmph in the next 24-48 hours.
With the city reeling under the torrential rains, Shivakumar also said that a comprehensive parking policy was being drafted to ensure no basement parking near low-lying areas. The government says this will help prevent flooding of basements when it rains.
Urban infrastructure experts have criticised the Bengaluru city corporation for its unscientific approach to addressing its challenges.
“The irony is that we are supposedly in the middle of a climate action plan. That plan is run in the oddest way possible – with BBMP telling other agencies and citizens what they should be doing, when it has itself shown zero commitment to climate readiness,” Ashwin Mahesh, a city-based urban infrastructure expert said in a post on X.
The irony is that we are supposedly in the middle of a climate action plan. That plan is run in the oddest way possible – with BBMP telling other agencies and citizens what they should be doing, when it has itself shown zero commitment to climate readiness.
— Ashwin Mahesh (@ashwinmahesh) May 20, 2025
Also Read: Bengaluru under water, Siddaramaiah govt gears up for grand 2-yr anniversary
Ban on footpath vendors
Shivakumar said service roads would be integrated with main roads to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in areas affected by metro construction. The deputy chief minister is also pushing for a Rs 40,000-crore tunnel project, which has also come under criticism.
The Siddaramaiah-led cabinet Thursday approved the construction of a 16.7-kilometre underground tunnel road in Bengaluru, estimated to cost Rs 17,780 crore.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the principal opposition party, criticised the government for the lack of development.
“There’s no visible development. The finance minister, who is also the CM, is unable to mobilise funds. Taxes are being imposed on garbage in Bengaluru,” B.Y. Vijayendra, the state BJP president, told reporters Sunday.
He added that funds meant for development in constituencies were being diverted to fulfil the Congress party’s guarantees.
The government Sunday also said that only 27,665 vendors who have officially registered as footpath vendors will be allowed to do business in designated areas.
“In the future, we have decided to ban all footpath sales (vendors),” Shivakumar said.
Labour rights activists protested the decision.
“Dear @DKShivakumar avare, parliament unanimously passed the street vendors act. The act allows for vending on road & footpath, with of course space given to pedestrians. We will not accept any violation of the act and illegal eviction of vendors,” Vinay Srinivasa, advocate and activist said in a post on X.
Dear @DKShivakumar avare, parliament unanimously passed the street vendors act. The act allows for vending on road& footpath, with of course space given to pedestrians. We will not accept any violation of the act and illegal eviction of vendors @aicctukar @clifroz @lekhaadavi https://t.co/UgGOKQO1SF
— ವಿನಯ್ ಕೂರಗಾಯಲ ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ Vinay K S (@vinaysreeni) May 25, 2025
(Edited by Sugita Katyal)
Also Read: Fed up of Bengaluru roads, doctor drags civic body to court, seeks Rs 50 lakh in damages