Villas now a heap of debris

In Kasavanahalli, posh villas worth crores of rupees turned into rubbles right before their owners. Some of these were beautiful homes with great architecture.

The BBMP had to use cutter machines in addition to earthmovers to demolish these strong buildings.

“We purchased the land for Rs 50 lakh in 2005 and constructed the home by spending more than Rs 2 crore. This was our dream house. We had all the documents including ‘A’ Khata,” said Vanitha, tears rolling down her cheek. “Our lives have been shattered. We have no money to build another home.”

A BBMP official said the drive would continue until the entire rajakaluve was free from encroachment. “The drain between Kasavanahalli and Cholakere of Kaikondarahalli is about 1,530 metres long. We have cleared 3.25 guntas and the district administration has identified more properties,” he said.

 Each property owner in Kasavanahalli and Avani Sringeri Nagar had a story to tell as they saw their homes built on rajakaluves (feeder drains) being razed to the ground.

The BBMP had marked encroached areas in Shubh Enclave Layout in Kasavanahalli for the demolition drive.

The occupants had a different excuse. They showed a wedding invitation to the BBMP officials to prove that the owners had gone to Hyderabad to attend the nuptials.

“Give  them two days to arrive. They will demolish the building themselves,” Anil Krishna, who was living in one of the homes, pleaded with the officials.

Venu and his family were so overwhelmed that they went to a temple to spend time when their house was being razed to the ground. “I have been staying here for 16 years now. I had bought the land. How can I see it being demolished now,” he said.