Mysuru: With rains giving a break this morning (albeit temporary as more rains are expected), the District Administration, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sprung into action and got on to clean storm-water drains and took a couple of precautionary measures to avoid flooding of residential areas at Paduvarahalli, Srirampura and Kanakagiri.

As sun shone brightly, MCC and MUDA workers, led by their officers, chalked out a detailed action plan to clear clogged drains. Firstly, it was Paduvarahalli which was flooded yesterday. Expecting more rains today, the MCC had yesterday dug up the Hunsur Road at the ‘Gomala’ near the Paduvarahalli Jodi Maramma Temple to lay a pipeline to Kukkarahalli Lake facilitating the flow of rainwater.

As the pipeline laying works had begun, traffic was diverted via the Manasagangothri Open Air Theatre for those coming from Hunsur. Those travelling towards Hunsur from Mysuru can take the regular route and there is no diversion.

Heavy vehicles from Hunsur towards Mysuru are being diverted via St. Joseph’s School, Jayalakshmipuram. Vehicles coming from Valmiki Road have been allowed to take a left near the petrol pump, next to the Gomala.

Paduvarahalli flooding

More than 100 houses in the low-lying areas of Paduvarahalli were flooded as there was no natural outlet for water. Now that the pipeline will be laid, water can flow from the residential area to the ‘Gomala’ and then to the Kukkarahalli Lake.

MCC officials told Star of Mysore that the pipeline will facilitate only rainwater and there is no chance of sewage water entering the lake.

A new and separate underground drainage line has been laid and the sewage water will not mix with rainwater, officials said and added that as the ground is not absorbing the water, the best way to divert water is through the pipeline, they added.

While carrying out works, officials observed that the main reason for the flooding were the encroachment of Rajakaluves (Feeder Canals), blockage of drains by plastic, carpets and other waste and the uncontrolled growth of thick grass along with weeds inside the storm-water drains. The areas worst affected are Srirampura, Paduvarahalli, Yelethota, Kanakagiri, J.C. Layout and the areas adjoining the Mysuru-Manandawadi Road.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Mysuru Assistant Commissioner H.N. Shivegowda said that Rajakaluve encroachment at Bogadi and T.K. Layout has been cleared and now they will focus on city limits. “Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep has asked us to clear all Rajakaluve encroachments based on the survey conducted last month. From Tuesday, Oct. 17, we will conduct a survey of Rajakaluve at Kanakagiri and Nanjangud Road,” he said.

MCC and MUDA teams cleaned storm-water drains at Paduvarahalli, Srirampura, Kanakagiri and J.C. Layout. The works were supervised by MCC Superintending Engineer Suresh Babu and Tahsildar T. Ramesh Babu.

At Paduvarahalli, a team of health workers led by Muthamma camped today and visited over 240 houses enquiring if the residents faced health problems. A few residents who complained giddiness and allergy were administered medication.