Bengaluru citizens take crowdfunding route to handle SWD woes

BENGALURU: With fears of flooding intensifying following the recent rain and BBMP’s plan to fix problems at breakneck speed turning out to be a non-starter, residents of Brookefield Layout took matters into their own hands: They successfully built a flood-control drain by raising Rs 6 lakh through crowdfunding!
With over 2,500 residents contributing to the initiative, the neighbourhood has demonstrated a strong sense of community and commitment to improving its living environment.Arvind Keerthi, a resident and key figure in championing this initiative, highlighted the community’s approach. “We’re using construction debris, especially durable stones like dindikallu (a form of stone slab), and leftover steel from construction sites to ensure the SWD is built robustly,” he said.
He emphasized that residents have been actively involved in various activities over the years to enhance the layout’s infrastructure and aesthetics. The need for such community-driven action became evident during April and May when a drought season followed by heavy rain led to flooding in the area.
Despite reaching out to the BBMP for years, the residents found the corporation’s response inadequate. This prompted them to take matters into their own hands and form a ‘hyperlocal govt’ to address their concerns directly.
“In 2022, we requested the lakes department to fix the SWD to prevent flooding. However, BBMP’s plan to construct a sluice gate instead of addressing the drain directly led us to initiating our own efforts,” Keerthi recounted.
The crowdfunding initiative has resulted in a well-constructed SWD that ensures only clean water flows through it.
“We aren’t a rebel group or trying to establish a parallel govt. We’re simply solving a local problem. Every neighbourhood should take responsibility for its development. Our model is akin to a hyperlocal PPP, ensuring accountability and responsibility,” Keerthi told STOI.