HDK: govt will not raze drain encroachment

The government will not clear encroachments on stormwater drains, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday.

Kumaraswamy told reporters on the sidelines of an event to allot Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout sites that the rain havoc in Bengaluru was grave but clearing encroachments was a sensitive issue.

While he admitted that there was encroachment of stormwater drains in the city, he said there was a need to be humane while dealing with such cases. "I have not given any orders to clear encroachments. Under my governance, no encroachment clearance drive has been done and it will not be done. We are waiting for a report from the Revenue Department. Once the report comes, a call will be taken. I am aware that people have been suffering because of the rain and so I have directed BBMP officials to be on their toes.”

When it was pointed out that the government was lenient towards influential people who have encroached drains, Kumaraswamy said all were equal for the government.

He said BBMP officials have been asked to ensure there is no flooding. “I have also sought a report and a list of areas where there is frequent flooding. I have told the chief secretary to take note of the rain havoc. Parameshwara and I will hold a meeting to take stock of the rain relief measures. The BBMP will have to ensure that there are no deaths due to flooding and rain. Any official showing leniency will be dealt with sternly,” he said.