Bengaluru experienced light rainfall on Thursday morning, leading to sporadic waterlogging and traffic disruptions in several key areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded rainfall of 3.6 mm at the Bengaluru city observatory and 2.4 mm at the HAL observatory until 8.30 pm, while the Kempegowda International Airport observatory recorded 6.2 mm until 5.30 pm. Despite the moderate downpour, the rain caused minimal yet notable disturbances in the city’s traffic flow, especially in critical areas such as Old Madras Road, near Town Hall, and the International Airport Road.
The rain, though light, was enough to flood important traffic corridors, with waterlogging resulting in delays during the morning rush hour. A fallen tree on Mother Teresa Road further aggravated the situation, causing prolonged traffic halts. The situation reflects Bengaluru’s persistent struggle with its inadequate drainage system, which often fails to cope with even light to moderate rainfall. These disruptions highlight a crucial issue for urban planners and local authorities, where the city’s infrastructure has yet to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation and unpredictable weather patterns.
Looking ahead, the IMD forecasts light rainfall in Bengaluru on Friday, but the weekend is expected to remain dry with overcast skies. However, the weather department anticipates more significant rainfall in parts of South Interior Karnataka, including Kolar, Tumakuru, and Chikkaballapur, with heavy rain predicted for some districts. The forecast also warns of isolated heavy rain in Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural, as well as light to moderate rainfall along Coastal Karnataka.
From a sustainability perspective, these frequent waterlogging incidents underscore the urgent need for better urban stormwater management and drainage systems. With Bengaluru’s increasing population and erratic weather patterns, addressing these civic issues has become a matter of long-term urban planning and resilience. Integrating green infrastructure and sustainable water management practices could mitigate such disruptions, promoting both environmental and social sustainability.
