Bengaluru, April 30 (IANS). Seven people died in a wall collapse due to heavy rain, hailstorm and storm in Bengaluru. Responding to this question, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also holding the charge of Bengaluru Development Ministry, said on Thursday that they will pray for good rains and they should be prepared because if the rains are less then all the dams will be affected.
Talking to journalists at Vidhan Soudha, Shivkumar said that this wall located in the hospital was very old and soil was accumulated on its support. He further said that trees were also planted along its banks, and the wall could not bear the pressure, due to which it collapsed.
Shivakumar said instructions have been issued to identify such weak walls across the city and ensure that people are not allowed to sit or trade near them. He said street vendors would be relocated from such areas.
Shivakumar also informed that in view of the heavy rains in Bengaluru, the government has taken precautionary measures and assured that steps are being taken to prevent rain-related incidents.
He said that instructions had been issued regarding the rain situation since Wednesday night. Even now I pray to God for good rain. Whenever there is heavy rain, we must be prepared, and we will do so.
He said that the department has indicated that there may be less rainfall this year, which may cause problems in the reservoirs. If there is less rainfall, it will affect all the dams. There may also be electricity related problems in places like Sharavati.
Shivakumar further said that he would visit the Tungabhadra Dam on May 3 to review the preparations. All the gates are ready, and we must store as much water as possible. He said that the Supreme Court has also directed to release 177 tmcft of water in the Cauvery case.
Referring to Bengaluru, he said police and municipal corporation officials have been instructed to cut branches of weak trees and a list is being prepared. He said a control room has been set up and all officials are present at the spot.
He further said that there will be a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Chief Minister’s chamber, which will be followed by the Cabinet meeting.
On the statement given by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge about soon resolving the leadership issue and the continuation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the time being, Shivakumar said that there is no confusion. He said there is no problem. You can ask Kharge himself.
–IANS
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