Evict encroachers along stormwater drains, CM tells Palike officials

The State Government is set to act tough on encroachers of rajakaluves (canals) and storm water drains (SWDs) in the City. The encroachments had led to flooding of several areas after the heavy rain last week.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Urban district administration to evict the encroachers without  leniency.

“As many as 822 encroachments have been cleared, while there are 1,101 more such cases. Some of the building owners have approached the court, stalling the eviction drive. We will retain an experienced lawyer and file caveats against them,” the chief minister told reporters.

He was reviewing the action taken by BBMP and other government agencies after the last weekend’s deluge.

The chief minister said he has ordered action against all  officers responsible for granting approvals for construction on stormwater drains in BBMP limits. “I have ordered an inquiry into encroachments in DUO Layout, Anugraha Layout, Akshayanagar in Kodichikkanahalli, among others. It appears some officers are involved in approving construction of illegal buildings. We will initiate action against the guilty officers,” he said.

Responding to the BBMP’s proposal for Rs 160 crore to take up emergency works in low-lying areas, the chief minister released Rs 140 crore to take up 75 works.

The Bommasandra zone received a major chunk of Rs 65 crore for desilting and other works. Other areas include east zone (Rs 9.30 crore), west zone (Rs 6.70 crore), Koramangala valley (Rs 12.20 crore), Yelahanka zone (Rs 14.80 crore), Mahadevapura (Rs 65 crore), Rajarajeshwari Nagar zone (Rs 5 crore) and Dasarahalli zone (Rs 9.30 crore).
DH News Service