Sir,

While it is sad to note that unsuspecting residents were caught unawares by heavy rains and rising water levels up to seven feet at Paduvarahalli, one look at the topography of the area will make it evident that this disaster was waiting to happen.

From time immemorial, excess rainwater from present day Jayalakshmipuram and Vani Vilas Mohalla including Paduvarahalli and Vontikoppal flowed along the low flattish strip (present day Kalidasa and Adipampa Roads) into Kukkarahalli Lake.

We have converted this flattish strip of land into a road and on top of it shrunk a part of the original Kukkarahalli Lake with fancy college buildings.

Hence, when there is excess rain, nature has no recourse but to reoccupy all low-lying areas, be it a road or a row of houses. Though the authorities are responsible for this mess, unfortunate residents are facing the brunt of the water fury.

To blame unseasonal rains or busy schedule during Dasara is to shirk ones responsibility.

The district and city authorities should be proactive and make sure that all rainwater drains are constructed scientifically and connected to a lake or a flowing canal well ahead of the rainy season.

I request the authorities and residents not to let Mysuru go the Bengaluru way. Let us preserve our lakes and build proper rain water drainage system.

– U.B. Acharya, Jayalakshmipuram, 13.10. 2017

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