Damage to structures adjacent to demolished houses rattles residents

Collateral damage

The unscientific way of razing down structures on encroached land in Banaswadi lake has come under sharp criticism.

Several owners, who had built structures, claimed that the way in which the machines were used to raze down the structures had affected several adjacent houses built on areas not in dispute.

“The way in which machines were used to demolish a house affected my house nearby. Half of my house has been damaged,” Christaraj told Deccan Herald.
Many houses have become weak and cracks are visible on the walls. Some portions in a few houses came crashing down all of a sudden, he said.

“A few miscreants have stolen valuables from houses that were demolished. It’s a big challenge to protect the remaining valuables,” Christaraj, who had bought a site spread over 800 sq ft 25 years ago, said. He said a delegation of the local residents met Home Minister K J George, who is a sitting MLA from the area. George expressed helplessness in preventing demolition as he said there is a court order in this regard.

There is no dearth for such stories in the area. Govindaswamy had been a shopkeeper for the last 25 years selling old newspapers and plastic materials. Though the building where he had his shop belonged to a different person, Govindaswamy had developed emotional bondage with it.

“Everything ended for me on May 2 when, without any indication, my shop was brought down,” he said. “ The building owner has refused to return the advance amount I had deposited. I am forced to carry out business on the roadside,” Govindaswamy added.

The tale of S V Jayaram is no less heartrending.

“ I have got all documents to establish that I constructed the house on a rightful site. We had been staying here for the last two generations, but the house was demolished,” he claimed and wondered if he was really staying in a democratic country.

“The officers said they did not have time to go through when we showed the documents. They decided that the house was constructed on encroached area and demolished it,” he added.

Jayaram had constructed a house on a site spread over 2,350 sqft on Banaswadi 80 feet main road. He also owned a vehicle service station in the area, which was also demolished. “ We have lost the house, but will never give up our right over the site. We have already approached the High Court. If  need be, we will approach the Supreme Court,” he said.