Hang officials who abet lake encroachments, says Speaker

 Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa on Monday challenged the State government to take action on erring officials who he said were primarily responsible for the unabating encroachment of water bodies, especially lakes.

Making an extreme suggestion, Kagodu went on to say that if the government really has the will to act, then it should even “hang” these officials.

Thimmappa, who has been allotted a site in an illegally developed layout by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in the City, pinned the blame on the Authority officials for the existing mess.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Monday, he said the situation had worsened as the government had failed to act against the officials. He said the Legislative Assembly Committee on lake encroachment had submitted its report, highlighting the extent of encroachments.

“The government should work towards clearing these encroachments. If it fails to wake up from its slumber, then nothing can be achieved. The government should immediately issue notices to the erring officials. I wonder if it has the will to exercise this measure. If so, then it’d better hang these officials. The BDA allotted me the site. The encroachment is owing to the mistake of the officials,” he added.

He said the government should direct tahsildars to conduct a survey under the Land Revenue Act, and subsequently initiate a drive to clear the encroachments.
He said even after the submission of the report, it was ironic that the minister concerned had failed to react.

Joint session
The Speaker said the joint session of the Legislature will be convened after the panchayat elections conclude. He also hinted that the session might be held in Bengaluru.

Removal of Upalokayukta
Thimmappa said he had examined the motion moved by the Congress MLAs seeking the removal of Upalokayukta Subhash B Adi.

 “I have obtained sufficient evidence against Justice Adi. I don’t think there should be any delay.

 I will write to the High Court Chief Justice within a week,” he said.