Dy.CM firm on taking on big builders; says every law will be used to clear encroachments

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who went around the city inspecting storm-water drain works in flood-prone areas on Thursday, said the State will use every possible law to raze encroachment of rajakaluves by real estate companies.

Bengaluru 

Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who went around the city inspecting storm-water drain works in flood-prone areas on Thursday, said the State will use every possible law to raze encroachment of rajakaluves by real estate companies.

Mr. Shivakumar visited areas in Yemalur, Sarjapur, Varathur, and other places and directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to complete the works as soon as possible. After Mr. Shivakumar took charge, this was the first time he inspected SWD works. It should be noted the BBMP during its flood assessment had cited SWD encroachment as a major reason for waterlogging.

Mr. Shivakumar, while inspecting the works, said he found construction of high-rise buildings and layouts by builders and developers encroaching the drains. In about 118 locations, stay was brought against the BBMP from carrying out demolition drive.

Mr. Shivakumar, upset at builders securing stay from courts against BBMP, said: “The State government will use every possible law and every possible means to remove those structures.” He visited Rainbow Drive Layout near Sarjapur, layout at Yemlur, Divyashree apartment, and other areas and in some localities, he ordered a survey of SWDs. 

At one place he noticed that the width of a storm-water drain was reduced to 7 metre from 12 metre. He directed BBMP Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath to build an unlined drain increasing it. He said SWDs should have a minimum width to carry away rainwater to prevent flooding.

At Rainbow Drive Layout in Sarjapur, Mr, Shivakumar listened to the woes of residents who were affected by flooding last year.