World Bank Boosts Bengaluru's Flood Resilience Project

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is planning to develop a new Zonal Drainage Master Plan (ZDM) under the World Bank-supported Water Resilient Project to tackle Bengaluru’s recurring urban flooding challenges.

The proposed initiative will establish an integrated, data-driven drainage framework encompassing stormwater management, sewage systems, and flood mitigation measures. The ZDM will evaluate existing infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend sustainable, long-term drainage solutions suited to the city’s rapid urban expansion.

To ensure scientific accuracy and robust analysis, the project will involve collaboration with premier institutions including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IIT Madras, CSTEP, and WELL Labs. However, progress may be hindered by persistent issues such as inadequate stormwater data, poor inter-agency coordination, and missing project records, which have stalled similar efforts since 2022.

This time, effective implementation is critical, as World Bank funding is tied to measurable outcomes under the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) framework. The GBA is also exploring citizen participation and data crowdsourcing to address key information gaps and enhance accountability.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.