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Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Bengaluru too big to manage like Electronic City': BBMP chief responds to calls for ELCITA model
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao has responded to growing comparisons between Bengaluru and the much smaller and better-managed Electronic City, saying such parallels fail to account for the massive differences in scale and complexity. In an interview with News18, Rao acknowledged the positive steps taken by the Electronic City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA) and expressed openness to adopting innovations from their model. However, he emphasised that managing a sprawling metropolis like Bengaluru, home to over 14 million people, presents far more intricate challenges. (Also Read: Bengaluru MP flags Instagram account secretly filming women on metro, urges action) 'Any new technology that can help us is welcome,' Rao said. 'But we must recognise that Electronic City operates in a more controlled environment. The number of stakeholders is limited, the space is more manageable, and the nature of administration is very different from that of a city as vast as Bengaluru.' He noted that while ELCITA's success is worth studying, replicating its model across Bengaluru wouldn't be straightforward. 'We are dealing with a much broader canvas. The governance challenges are multiplied by the diversity of issues and the sheer volume of people involved,' he said according to the publication. Rao's remarks came in the wake of a social media post by Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who called Bengaluru's living conditions 'insufferable' and proposed that ELCITA be entrusted with managing major industrial areas of the city. She also suggested that BBMP officials could benefit from ELCITA-led training in ward-level governance. In his response, Rao struck a balanced tone, praising ELCITA's efficiency while pushing back against direct comparisons. 'I have great respect for what ELCITA has achieved,' he said. 'If there are practices we can adopt, we are more than willing to learn.' He also addressed recent criticism over the city's handling of rainfall and flooding. Rao pointed out that Bengaluru's stormwater infrastructure is designed to handle 65–70 mm of rain, in line with national standards, but the city was hit with 104 mm of rainfall in a single day last week. 'That's the second-highest rainfall in a decade. Naturally, the system came under stress,' he explained.
News18
19-05-2025
- Climate
- News18
‘Bengaluru Isn't Electronic City': BBMP Chief Defends Civic Body As City Reels Under Floods
Last Updated: After Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw called for ELCITA to take over aspects of civic management, BBMP Chief defended his team's efforts and said Bengaluru's challenges are far more complex Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao made it clear that while the IT capital's civic body is open to innovation and new technology to tackle the city's chronic flooding issues, comparing Bengaluru to a township like Electronic City is not appropriate. 'Any new form of technology that can help address Bengaluru's problems is welcome. But don't forget the size of the city and the complexities that come with it, compared to a smaller township. Bengaluru has a population of over 14 million," Rao told News18, responding to suggestions that BBMP should take a leaf out of the Electronic City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA)'s playbook. 'In a controlled environment like ELCITA, things are different from Bengaluru city. We would be very welcoming of any innovations they have implemented. The availability of space and the nature of responses to companies under ELCITA are easier to manage than in a city dealing with a much larger number of stakeholders," he said. 'Obviously, the problems in Bengaluru are far more complex. I will not downplay the work ELCITA has done — in fact, I hope we can replicate their successes in the rest of the city. But Bengaluru is a city of 14 million. In ELCITA, the stakeholders and decision-makers are limited. Our canvas is much larger," Rao said. Rao stated that Bengaluru is prepared for rainfall up to 65–70 mm, which is standard for most Indian cities. 'But Bengaluru saw the second-highest rainfall in the last decade — 104 mm in a single day," he explained. He was responding to a post by Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who suggested that ELCITA should be appointed to maintain all major industrial estates in Bengaluru and train BBMP officials to manage individual wards. 'Bengaluru's quality of living is becoming insufferable," she posted on X, tagging Rao and other officials. Mazumdar-Shaw also shared a video posted by Mohandas Pai, who urged Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to utilise ELCITA's expertise for managing the city. Meanwhile, Rao was on the ground — quite literally — inspecting flood-affected zones in a tractor after an overnight downpour battered the city for over six hours between Sunday and Monday, bringing parts of Bengaluru to a standstill. 'Areas like Kengeri and Chowdeshwari Nagar saw more than 100 mm of rainfall. Koramangala recorded 96 mm, and HAL and Mahadevapura received 93 mm. Rainfall of such intensity in a short span causes these issues. Our teams have been working 24×7 to rescue stranded residents and clear inundated areas," Rao said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'yellow alert' for Bengaluru until Friday, warning of more moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. The city remains on edge, once again caught in a cycle of rain, rage, and rescue. Latha Sridhar, scientist at the IMD Bengaluru, said the city had received 10 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. 'The last time it rained this heavily was on 18 May 2022. The highest rainfall this season so far has been 15 cm," she said. Among the worst-hit areas was Sri Sai Layout in KR Puram, where Rao had to wade through knee-deep water in a tractor. Residents were evacuated using boats and earthmovers after waist-high water entered homes. Sai Layout has become synonymous with flooding, and officials say the core issue is its location — a low-lying former lakebed. Despite repeated interventions, the area continues to suffer. 'The main problem is that the nalla (drain) next to Sai Layout is at a higher elevation. It collects runoff from large parts of North and Northeast Bengaluru, but the old railway vents meant to carry water out are narrow and outdated," Rao explained. The BBMP is constructing an additional railway vent at the Geddalahalli underpass to smoothen water flow. 'The work is delayed because it requires multiple clearances from the Railways, as the line runs underneath. It may take until the end of July or August to complete," a BBMP officer said. 'We're also setting up a jackwell and pumps to evacuate water even with 20–30 mm of rainfall. This area floods five to six times a year," Rao added. He also pointed out that the civic body is waiting for permission to cut through a bund to lay a new drain, which could significantly ease the situation. 'Even with 100 mm of rainfall this time, very few places were affected. But Sai Layout continues to suffer because of structural and locational disadvantages," the officer said. 'The recurring problem in Sai Layout is structural," Rao reiterated. 'The area lies below the adjacent drain, and the narrow railway underpass prevents free water flow. We're coordinating with the Railways to widen the tunnel. The aim is to reduce both response time and turnaround during such incidents." But residents are losing patience. During Rao's visit, an irate woman standing ankle-deep in water confronted him: 'The area is flooded, and you are coming now. What is your name?" Rao, seated on the tractor, replied calmly: 'Maheshwar Rao." The deluge also claimed a life in Whitefield, where a 35-year-old woman named Shashikala died after a wall collapsed on her during the heavy rains. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. 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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
ELCITA Unveils Sustainability Awards 2024-25!
VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 13: In a bold step towards fostering environmental leadership, the Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA) has launched the second edition of its celebrated Sustainability Awards 2024-25. Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural edition, this year's program seeks to honour the companies and institutions that are redefining sustainability. Applications are now officially open, with the deadline for submission set for May 31, 2025. Reaffirming its commitment to building a smarter and greener urban future, ELCITA's Chairman, Dr V Veerappan emphasized that the awards are more than a recognition--they are a movement. "ELCITA has always envisioned a future transformed not just by infrastructure, but by bold, sustainable ideas. This initiative celebrates organizations that embody our vision of a sustainable, smart, and inclusive Electronics City." A champion of sustainable urban development, ELCITA has long demonstrated its philosophy through action. The township boasts lush green belts along key thoroughfares, an expanding network of pedestrian walkways, and widespread adoption of Yulu e-bikes, significantly cutting reliance on fossil fuels. These initiatives have elevated the quality of life for thousands of daily commuters while positioning Electronics City as a national model for eco-integrated urban design. This year's Sustainability Awards will recognize excellence across two broad dimensions: (a) Overall Excellence in Sustainability Management, with gold and silver distinctions, and (b) Sectoral Excellence Awards that spotlight achievements in areas such as water management, waste management, energy efficiency, biodiversity preservation, and air quality management. Open to companies and institutions operating within Bengaluru, the awards welcome applications from large, medium and small, IT & ITES enterprises, educational and research institutions, hospitality establishments, commercial enterprises, and public service providers. Participants can submit application in any one of the mentioned categories. Evaluation will be by an independent panel comprising seasoned experts in sustainable leadership. For companies committed to sustainability, this platform offers more than accolades; it provides a rare opportunity to showcase their achievements before peers, policymakers, and the wider public. It is a chance to inspire others within and beyond Electronics City and contribute actively to Bengaluru's evolving identity as a cleaner, more climate-resilient metropolis. Winners will not only be honoured at a formal ceremony in June 2025 but will also gain visibility across ELCITA's communication channels and partner media platforms, cementing their status as leaders in the sustainability movement.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Eye on pie, Greater Bengaluru Authority may bring Electronics City under its purview
Bengaluru: In a potentially contentious development aimed at increasing revenue for Bengaluru's development, speculation suggests that the new Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) might incorporate autonomous industrial townships like Electronics City Industrial Township Authority ( ELCITA ) to expand the tax base for city corporations planned under the new legislators who worked with the GBA committee told TOI about possible plans to acquire control of funds generated by ELCITA. "The debate on adding and defining newer areas under GBA will be based on how much it will cost Bengaluru to develop these outlying areas," said a city legislator. "When a self-sufficient township like ELCITA is available to provide surplus revenue, then we definitely cannot ignore it."However, ELCITA officials say their authority's revenue structure receives unwarranted attention. "At present our tax revenue is approximately Rs 29-30 crore per annum. This is just a drop in the ocean for a city like Bengaluru which requires thousands of crores," an ELCITA official chairperson V Veerappan told TOI that they have not received any official communication regarding GBA's potential takeover of the industrial township. "We are a body that has been notified by the govt and protected under law, and we intend to remain that way. We have not received any official communication stating otherwise," Veerappan ministers themselves maintain that no decisions have been finalised regarding areas to be included in the new GBA."It is too premature to consider which areas will be added to GBA and which will not," said Krishna Byre Gowda, revenue minister and Byatarayanapura MLA. "The act is yet to be notified. The govt also needs to convene a meeting of Bengaluru legislators and ministers to discuss the act. As of now, no such plans are afoot."Notably, distinct draft regulations to establish ELCITA-style townships, designed to reduce state expenditure, remain pending govt approval.
