Bengaluru rains: Over 50 tree-falls reported, Chief Secretary inspects affected areas

A total of 53 complaints related to tree-falls, along with another 129 related to falling of branches were received under Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits between September 18 and 19 (as of 7 p.m.), following continuous rains.

Bengaluru Central Corporation reported the highest number of tree-fall incidents with 18 cases, followed by Bengaluru West with 15. Officials said that as of 7 p.m. on Friday, two branch-fall complaints linked to rains were still being attended to, while all others had been cleared.

Chief Secretary to the government Shalini Rajneesh inspected several rain-affected areas in the city. She instructed that all white-topping projects in Bengaluru must be completed by the end of November this year. 

At Silk Board Junction, she instructed the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited Department and the GBA to clear silt and debris from the rajakaluve, prevent flooding, and ensure the removal of construction waste from the junction.

She also asked for a quick installation of favour blocks, completion of pedestrian facilities including a skywalk, and immediate removal of unused pipes and iron scrap lying at the site.

At Iblur Junction, Ms. Rajneesh directed officials to develop the Sarjapur service road on priority, construct a pedestrian skywalk, and repair footpaths. She noted that merging the main and service roads from Iblur to Marathahalli could significantly ease congestion.

On Balagere-Panathur Main Road, where residents have long complained against poor conditions and sewage overflow, Ms. Rajneesh ordered immediate resurfacing, dredging of side drains, and faster progress on culverts and widening works.