Bengaluru East Reviews Storm Water Drain Project, Orders Faster Encroachment Removal

Bengaluru East City Corporation Commissioner D.S. Ramesh has directed all departments to accelerate the completion of the World Bank-funded Storm Water Drain (SWD) development project through coordinated action. Officials have been instructed to identify the original boundaries of storm water drains, remove encroachments, relocate utilities, and resolve pending administrative issues to complete the remaining works within the stipulated timeline.

Key Details:

• Nearly 80% of the World Bank-funded Storm Water Drain project has been completed, with the remaining works delayed due to encroachments and administrative issues.

• The Commissioner directed the Revenue Department, Department of Land Records, Tahsildar’s Office, and the Corporation’s Land Records Wing to jointly survey storm water drains, demarcate their original boundaries, remove encroachments, and complete land acquisition wherever required.

• BESCOM has been instructed to prepare a detailed timeline for relocating electricity poles, transformers, and other electrical infrastructure along storm water drain corridors.

• Joint inspections between BESCOM and the Project Implementation Team will be conducted to ensure timely utility shifting while maintaining public safety.

• Tree trimming required during utility relocation must receive prior approval from the Forest Department.

• BWSSB has been directed to relocate sewer lines obstructing storm water drain works, prevent sewage from entering storm water drains, prepare detailed utility maps, and complete utility shifting without delay.

• Priority has also been given to completing Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) construction and upgradation works within the Corporation limits.

• Officials were instructed to ensure quality road restoration, proper backfilling, installation of safety barricades, and uninterrupted public movement during project execution.

• Departments have been asked to immediately escalate technical or administrative issues to senior officials and seek guidance from elected representatives to avoid delays.

• Every department will nominate a nodal officer, and fortnightly review meetings will monitor progress and address project bottlenecks.