Hassan CMC reclaims government school land

Warns action against encroacher, who's at large

An illegal building that had come up on the government school land was razed by the City Municipal Council (CMC) workers, under the guidance of president H S Anil Kumar, in Hassan, on Monday.

The demolition drive was conducted amidst stiff opposition from a group of local residents, who tried to block the way for an earthmover. They claimed that an anganwadi centre is being constructed for the benefit of slum dwellers. They also raised slogans against the City Municipal Council president.

The encroachment clearance drive was taken up in the wake of allegations by Congress leader H K Mahesh, who had alleged that government lands are being gobbled up by the influential for constructing houses.

Anil Kumar told the locals gathered at the site that houses are being constructed on the pretext of building an anganwadi centre.

“They have not taken any permission from the City Municipal Council or the Slum Board. Anganwadi centre would be constructed at an alternative place. There is no question of stopping the encroachment clearance,” he clarified.

Cops intervene
Police personnel intervened and brought the situation under control. The building was razed to the ground in a few minutes.

Speaking to reporters, Anil Kumar said, he learnt about the illegal construction on Saturday. The owner of the building is not known and will be traced through contractor Kumar and action would be taken, he warned.