Encroachments on SWDs to be cleared, says George

Bengaluru Development Minister K J George  on Thursday  said action will be taken to clear all encroachments on stormwater drains in order to prevent flooding in Bengaluru.

Replying to Congress member P R Ramesh in the Legislative Council, he said many parts of Bengaluru city witnessed flooding due to heavy downpour. Nothing much can be done if rainfall is heavy. However, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has identified low-lying areas and taking necessary measures to prevent flooding, he added.

"If action is taken to remove encroachments, the Opposition parties take objection and stage protests. What can we do if they (Opposition parties) refuse to cooperate?" he asked.

He also said that the BBMP has so far removed 1,225 encroachments on stormwater drains. Steps are being taken to remove remaining 728 encroachments, he added.

Earlier, Ramesh said largescale irregularities are reported in the stormwater drain remodeling project between 2007 and 2013.