Bengaluru: The aftermath of Wednesday’s heavy rain and strong winds has triggered widespread public anger across the city, with residents accusing civic authorities of negligence and delayed response.
While the storm led to large-scale damage with trees and electric poles falling across multiple areas, locals alleged that officials failed to act promptly to clear debris, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and residents. Several roads remained blocked for hours, forcing people to struggle with disrupted movement and safety concerns.
Residents pointed out a stark contrast in response time, claiming that a fallen structure near the Chief Minister’s residence was cleared within minutes, while in other localities, fallen trees remained unattended for over 24 hours. “Is there one rule for the VIPs and another for the public?” questioned angry citizens.
Areas including Malleswaram, Rajajinagar, Vijayanagar, and Sheshadripuram witnessed prolonged power cuts after trees damaged electricity poles and cables. Despite repeated complaints, locals alleged that action on the ground remained slow due to limited manpower and coordination gaps.
Adding to the controversy, some residents in Kumarapark alleged that middlemen demanded bribes of around ₹2,000 for clearing fallen trees, raising serious concerns about corruption within civic operations.
In Nelamangala, the heavy rain and winds also caused agricultural losses, with a farmer reporting complete destruction of his three-acre banana plantation, leaving the family in distress.
Meanwhile, safety concerns have intensified near Lulu Mall on Magadi Road, where a weakened compound wall of railway quarters is reportedly at risk of collapse, triggering fears of another tragedy similar to the recent Bowring Hospital incident.
With multiple hazardous spots still unaddressed, citizens have expressed frustration and fear, urging authorities to act swiftly before further damage or loss of life occurs.
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