BBMP continues drive to clear encroachments on drains

Another survey on to identify illegal properties; list on Palike website

Bengaluru’s civic authorities on Sunday continued the demolition and eviction of 32 properties that had encroached on stormwater drains.

On Saturday, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had begun the drive at three places — Avani Sringeri Nagar in Bommanahalli, Kasavanahalli in Mahadevapura and Shivanahalli in Yelahanka. While officials had razed three buildings to the ground in Avani Sringeri Nagar the day before, they demolished six more structures on Sunday. Out of the 32 properties, 15 were buildings comprising villas, apartment blocks and independent homes. The rest were vacant sites.

BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad, who inspected the demolition drive in Arakere, told reporters that the district administration had undertaken another survey to identify encroachments on rajakaluves (feeder drains).

The list of properties would be published on the BBMP website in two days, he said.

Though some owners presented government-approved documents to prove the legality of their properties, BBMP officials paid no heed, except for giving them additional time on written request. Some property owners have approached the court.

Property owners hired private engineers in demolishing the buildings in order to minimise damage to the structures, instead of going for earthmovers deployed by the BBMP. The civic agency also cleared eight vacant sites in Avani Sringeri Nagar. Besides, it demolished two buildings and three sites in Yelahanka.

BBMP Chief Engineer (Storm Water Drain), Siddegowda, said all properties that had encroached on the 800-metre line that connected Hulimavu and Madiwala lake through Kodichikkanahalli would be demolished in a week.

The district administration has identified more properties on the stretch and would clear them, too.

The Palike will build a four-metre-wide closed drain in 45 days, he said.