Technology workers had a tough time on Tuesday navigating the Outer Ring Road (ORR) stretch that is home to about 500 tech companies after knee-deep rainwater choked movement. As a result, many companies declared work from home for their employees
“Bengaluru is India’s only global city. Whatever happens here makes headlines in the tech world,” Pai told ET, wondering if it was such a big deal to unclog drains for smooth flow of water.
Pai, the founder of venture capital fund Aarin Capital, also defended appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save Bengaluru, saying the BJP regime in the state should replicate the best practices of the government at the Centre.
“I want the PM to intervene and ensure good governance in Bengaluru, which is being seen as a symbol of New India. CM Bommai has done good work, but ground level implementation is poor,” Pai said.
Congress lawmaker Krishna Byre Gowda also slammed the government, saying its inaction and corruption has led to parts of the city finding itself submerged in rainwater.
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Neighbouring states were asking companies to shift from Bengaluru and this will eventually hurt jobs in the city, the US-educated MLA said.
As India’s tech capital witnessed its wettest August since 1998, the water flowing from Saul Kere (lake) had clogged the IT corridor. It sparked angry reactions on social media from road users, most working in tech firms. The ORR stretch houses offices including those of Accenture,
, , and Shell.
Bengaluru’s municipal body, the BBMP, has now taken up the work of increasing the number of storm water outlets and this is expected to be completed over the next three days.
The companies, which already have most employees operating from home, announced work from home measures over the next few days.
Industry associations have called for a maintenance budget from the government to prevent a repeat of the crisis.
“It is not rocket science. We need to keep the drains clean without being clogged by plastic, mud, or garbage. Main drains also need to be able to carry the rainwater. There is a need for maintenance budget in addition to capital expenditure for roads and drains,” said NS Rama, advisor for Electronics City Industries Association (Elcia) with 180 companies and 200,000 employees.
Bommai, who noticed encroachment of storm water drains during his inspection, ordered officials to clear encroachments to allow smooth flow of rainwater.
The government, he said, has released Rs 1,500 crore immediately for the construction of drains, the work on which will begin immediately as the tender process is complete.
