BBMP hints at tough action against big builders

Having come under severe criticism for targeting the houses of economically weaker and middle class in the ongoing stormwater drains encroachment clearance drive, the Bruhat Bengaluru
Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is drawing an action plan to clear the mega structures.

BBMP Commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad has convened a meeting on Monday to send out a stern message to the officials concerned to bring down the big structures built on stormwater drains.

A BBMP officer, on the condition of anonymity, told DH “The general impression that the Palike is sparing big fish is baseless. You will see it from next week onwards when big structures and corporate offices will be bulldozed.”

He said the Revenue department was not sharing the maps showing mega structures on the stormwater drains, which were encroached by the big builders. “We had even complained to our higher-ups earlier about non-cooperation by the Revenue department, especially the Survey, Settlement and Land Records department. Finally, the Revenue officials provided us the maps with specific details about the encroachment of drains by the big builders,” said the officer.

Meanwhile, the BBMP officials have identified five more sites at Dasarahalli near the Industrial Area.
“Two industrial units and three vacant sites on the stormwater drain at Dasarahalli were removed today,” said the officer. He added that the demolition drive at Rajarajeshwari Nagar has continued.