Despite KHRC rap, govt lax on rehab of displaced

Despite being pulled up by the Karnataka Human Rights Commission, the state government has done little to rehabilitate and relocate those displaced during the recent demolition drive in the city.

The government has also not furnished a compliance report to the commission.  Last month, the BBMP razed as many as 141 structures that were encroaching upon stormwater drains in different zones of the city.

Based on a complaint that the displaced families were put to hardship, the KHRC had asked Chief Secretary Arvind Jadhav to file a compliance report on why the issue was not handled with sensitivity.

It had also asked the government to outline why no prior notice was given to the affected families, and why a feasible package was not devised to provide them temporary rehabilitation and relocation package. KHRC had passed this order on August 11, asking the Chief Secretary’s office to furnish the report within three weeks.

Yet to file report

KHRC registrar P Suryanarayan Gowd told DH  that the government is yet to furnish the report. According to the procedure, the commission will furnish a couple of reminders, before summoning the officer concerned in person.

In its order, KHRC had observed that affected families were living their “worst nightmare”, as they did not have access to food and water. It had also noted that there was criticism that only small and middle class houses were targeted, with authorities turning a blind eye to big builders. The primary duty of the government is to secure the welfare of the people, it had noted.