Bengaluru continues to grapple with frequent manhole overflows during the monsoon season, despite concerted efforts by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) to rectify the situation. In the past month alone, the BWSSB has removed nearly 15,000 illegal rainwater connections, yet the problem persists, causing significant inconvenience and posing serious risks to the city’s residents.
On Wednesday, following heavy rainfall, several areas in Bengaluru witnessed overflowing manholes, raising alarm among commuters and local residents. The overflowing sewage not only increases the risk of accidents due to open manhole lids but also poses health hazards, potentially leading to the spread of waterborne diseases. A resident of Rajajinagar expressed concerns, stating, “We report these issues to the BWSSB every rainy season, but the problem persists. The overflowing sewage could lead to the spread of diseases.”
BWSSB Chairman has highlighted the root cause of the issue, pointing to illegal rainwater connections that improperly divert rainwater into the city’s sewage lines instead of stormwater drains. This mismanagement leads to an overwhelming influx of water into the sewer system during heavy rains, resulting in overflows. He noted, “If manholes overflow at times other than during the rains, it indicates poor maintenance. However, if they overflow only during the rains, it is due to rainwater entering the sewage lines.”
The BWSSB has been conducting regular inspections to identify and remove these illegal connections. However, with nearly 15,000 such connections already addressed, the agency still faces a significant challenge. A senior BWSSB official also cited unregulated garbage dumping as a compounding issue. “Many hotels open manhole covers to dispose of leftover food, which clogs the manholes and causes sewage overflow. We are actively monitoring and penalising offenders, but it is challenging to eliminate this problem entirely.”
The situation underscores the need for a more robust and coordinated effort to manage Bengaluru’s water and waste systems, particularly during the monsoon season. The BWSSB’s ongoing efforts to address illegal connections and improper waste disposal are crucial steps towards mitigating the impact of these issues. However, the board acknowledges that more work is needed to ensure the city’s infrastructure can handle the seasonal influx of rainwater without compromising public safety and health.
