Residents of 12 housing blocks at EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) in Ejipura (Ward 69) on Monday, staged a protest, despite eviction notices by BBMP and refused to vacate their homes and demanded the authority concerned to construct sheds after which they could relocate.

Babu, a resident and member of Dr Ambedkar Youth Welfare Association at the quarters said, “An eviction notice from BBMP was served asking us to relocate to the Community Centres in Adugodi  and Austin Town respectively. The notice said failure to respond to it will absolve BBMP of its responsibility, if deaths or loss of property occurs in the event of heavy rains. Hence, we staged a protest” he added.

BBMP Joint Commissioner (East) Nagaraj told Deccan Herald,  notices were served to prevent casualties due to rains. “We have done so in the interest of their lives. An assessment of housing blocks that would not withstand heavy rains was made and 12 classified as unsafe. Alternative arrangements such as sheds will be constructed within the next few days” he said.

Meanwhile, 3 JCB’s and 3 tractors were sent to Ejipura to level land to construct sheds, informed residents.
The EWS quarters were constructed in 1991, has 36 families residing in each block. It was allotted to applicants who paid Rs 2000 through DD. Many original allotees rented their premises to tenants. Now, the government has given title deeds to those who reside irrespective of ownership, residents said.

They also blame poor quality of construction as cause for its dilapidated condition.