Bengaluru: Bulldozers continue to roll at RR Nagar

BENGALURU: The demolition drive that has been going on in full swing since Monday seems to have lost some of its momentum after  the widespread protests and dharnas by the residents.  However, residents of BEML layout at Panchasheela in Rajarajeshwarinagar felt the demolition heat.

While the BBMP was enthusiastically demolishing the houses of common men that were allegedly built on Storm Water Drains (SWD), it was cautious regarding bulldozing buildings of politicians and influential people.

The BBMP, which had earlier not even permitted residents and shoppers to evacuate their belongings at different parts of the city during demolition, has called for a fresh survey report for the house of actor Darshan and hospital of former minister Shamanur Shivashankarappa, said sources.

Joint commissioner of Rajarajeshwarinagar zone Veerabhadrappa told DC that following confusion about the survey, he along with the officials of BBMP, survey department and revenue department have inspected the spot and a fresh report would reach in two days (by Aug. 22). Based on the report, all the encroached portion of the buildings will be demolished.

“As of now, the extent of the encroachment is not clear. Once the BBMP lays its hands on the report, no buildings that are sitting on the drain will be spared, whether they belong to  influential citizens or the common man,” Veerabhadrappa added.

Demolition was taken up at the Addigidada hall or Rangoli hall where encroachments have been established by the report. Before taking up the drive, residents were given ample opportunity and time to either vacate or demolish the structures  themselves. The majority of the encroachers have done ‘surgery’ to their houses themselves. Those which were not removed, the BBMP had to use bulldozers and remove them, he said.

On Friday, the authorities razed a few buildings to recover 7.5 guntas of land. One apartment compound, about 30 per cent of huge buildings, five sheds, two houses were bulldozed at Bheemana katte in BEML Layout. The owners of the property will be given a chance to clear debris. Clearing encroachments arrest flooding, he added. Next week demolition will be taken up at other locations.

 Protest by JD (S) leader
Chaos prevailed at Rajarajeshwaringar for some time when a JD(S) leader alleged that the alignment was changed by the officials to save a few houses. The leader alleged that officials were bribed, which was why the alignment was changed. However, Veerabhadrappa denied the allegation and said that the survey was based on the map and he should not talk lightly about the officials, he added.

Demolition halted
The demolition drive has been halted temporarily at the Mahadevapura zone owing to the confusion about the survey alignment and protests by local residents. Residents protested at Rajarajeshwarinagar, Mahadevapura and Yelahanka zones. The BBMP has now called for a fresh survey of the encroachment on drains with the help of village maps dating back to 1903 and superimposing the available or new maps approved by the planning bodies.

None will be spared in demolition: CM
Talking tough on ongoing demolition drive in the city, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah on Friday declared that the state government will not succumb under any pressure to clear encroachments on storm water drains in the city.

Speaking to reporters after releasing two booklets at his home office — Krishna — here, Mr Siddaramaiah said, “Nobody will get away with demolition if they have knowingly or unknowingly encroached upon the city’s storm water drains. Howsoever influential they may be are, such encroachment will be cleared.”

In response to a question, the CM shot back and said that the state government has not succumbed to any pressure, it is all created by a section of media that the state government had succumbed to pressure. “Irrespective of areas, whether it’s JP Nagar or elsewhere, if anyone has encroached it will be cleared without mercy. Let me tell you (media) it is fair to remove these encroachments as these are illegal. If any of these structures are blocking water ways, then such structures will surely be cleared off,” he asserted.

Answering to a question, Mr Siddaramaiah stated that there was no need for the state administration to clear structures like Majestic Bus stand or any other localities that have been developed by the state agencies like Bengaluru Development Authority. “What we are talking here is those encroachments that are blocking.