Which map is in vogue, ask BJP MLAs

BJP legislators on Monday questioned the basis for the BBMP’s ongoing encroachment clearance drive. Which map is it using to mark encroachments, they asked.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Avani Sringeri Nagar which bore the brunt of the demolition drive, former minister and Padmanabhanagar MLA R Ashoka said there were three maps: the village map prepared by the British in 1902; the 1962 map, and the master plan. “We want to know which one is applicable today,” he said.

“People have paid stamp duty, betterment charges, building plan sanction fee and property tax. Every year, Rs 4,000 crore goes to the government in the form of stamp duty, of which almost 70 % is contributed by Bengaluru. These innocent citizens deserve compensation,” Ashoka said.

Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar said the drive had made it apparent that there were two set of rules — one for the rich and another for the poor. “None of the big encroachers has been targeted yet. Even if they are named, the government is conducting surveys and resurveys. But no such concession is being given to small homeowners,” he said.