Put kaluves on GIS maps online, let everyone see where they are: V Ravichandar

The recent demolitions along the city’s storm water drain network have understandably left the affected property owners angry. They are the victims of a system plagued by opaqueness when it comes to village survey and revenue maps and collusion between officials and unscrupulous developers acting against public interest.

They were lulled into a false sense of security with the issue of title documents, khatas, and electricity and water connections. But to their utter misery they now realise they have been ‘sold’ down the proverbial river (drain in this case)!

Is the BBMP right in carrying out these demolitions? The answer unfortunately is yes, even though government officials caused the problem in the first place. The encroachments obstructing the storm water drains pose a huge threat during heavy rain and need to be cleared in the greater public interest. But the affected citizens have a strong case for compensation, both from the government and developers.

There is a serious trust deficit between citizens and the government. If it has to be bridged, the culpable officials need to be prosecuted, starting now. When a series of demolitions were done in Surat post the plague, they started with the most powerful, influential houses, sending a message that all were equal in the eyes of the authorities concerned.

The BBMP needs to do similar culling here. Also, digital transparency is necessary to safeguard against such a situation in future. If the lakes, storm water drain alignments and buffer zones are displayed on GIS maps online , people will be able to check if their purchases and building plans are in order. Sunlight is the best disinfectant for our diseased polity.