Slumdwellers oppose eviction for ‘Namma Metro’
A demolition and eviction drive by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) at Basaveshwara slum in Okalipura, turned ugly when some slumdwellers refused to vacate the area on Tuesday.
According to BMRCL officials, a few residents who are said to be illegal tenants could not produce either a ‘hakku patra’ (title deed) or a ‘khata’ certificate to prove ownership of land.
“It is a non-issue. Even after the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) notified the land housing the slum area, some dwellers have refused to move out. BMRCL has also constructed alternative housing block at Srigandhada Kaval on Magadi Road under a slum rehabilitation package. While the owners of the slums were evicted months ago, a few tenants stay put intending to create trouble,” said a spokesperson from BMRCL.
According to officials, the land is located further away from the City railway station on Magadi Road, on the underground alignment corridor.
The BMRCL has taken assistance from the local police to evict the residents.
DH News Service
