Citizens Demand “Boat Guarantee” Amidst Heavy Rainfall Chaos in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: The capital city is grappling with the turmoil caused by relentless heavy rainfall, leaving residents frustrated and disillusioned with both the government and civic authorities. In light of the flooding that has inundated streets, citizens are calling for an additional “boat guarantee” to complement the five existing guarantees, enabling them to navigate the submerged roads.
The recent pre-monsoon showers have been particularly severe, leading to widespread waterlogging and significant disruptions to daily life. Many residents find it increasingly diff icult to leave their homes, further intensifying their frustration. The prevailing sentiment is that the government’s lack of preparedness for the monsoon season is the root cause of this chaos.
Numerous infrastructure projects across the city have languished in limbo for months, with the government failing to complete them before the onset of the rains. Furthermore, inadequate maintenance of stormwater drains and sewage systems has exacerbated the flooding, leaving many areas vulnerable to water accumulation.
In response to the dire situation, citizens have taken to social media to express their discontent, humorously demanding a “Boat Guarantee” for each ward, in addition to the government’s existing promises. They lament that, given the current state of the roads and the persistent flooding, there is no assurance of safely reaching home, even when departing from their own doorsteps.
Buy a Boat, Not a Bike: Bengaluru’s New Monsoon Survival Kit Under D.K. Shivakumar
— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) May 17, 2025
Is this the “Brand Bengaluru” we were promised? The monsoon hasn’t even arrived in full force, yet Bengaluru is already drowning. Roads across the city are waterlogged, resembling rivers more than… pic.twitter.com/tuBz7f6uAg
Residents are urging the government to take accountability for the city’s infrastructure and to enhance the services provided to its citizens. The call for action is clear: it is time for the authorities to prioritize the well-being of Bengaluru’s residents and address the pressing issues that have left the city in disarray.
An anonymous individual expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Congress party, stating, “There are no achievements to speak of; they are simply lying. Development in the city is nonexistent, and all we see is the looting of public funds. Congress leaders are merely putting on a show; no real progress is being made. I wonder when the anger of Bengalureans will erupt to teach the Chief Minister and his associates a lesson. People are suffering as roads are dug up everywhere, and none of the work is being completed. Karnataka has come to a standstill.”
Another resident shared his thoughts on the current situation: “The boat guarantee is the best plan to prevent accidents during the rainy season, as it becomes impossible to navigate the roads with vehicles during monsoon. Potholes are everywhere. While we can ride two-wheelers, we must be cautious of potential damage and drainage issues. At the very least, the government should take action to address the public’s needs.”
Satish, another resident of Silk Board Junction, voiced his frustration: “I have no idea where our local MLA is or what he is doing in this crisis. We spent the entire night awake as water flooded our home, and my family members worked tirelessly to clear it. None of the politicians seem to care about the struggles of the poor. The government continues to impose taxes on everything, yet they fail to provide even the most basic infrastructure.”
About the Author
