Don't stop demolitions: Siddaramaiah to BBMP

Bengaluru: Giving an unambiguous direction to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to continue with demolition of houses and structures built on Rajakaluves, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a survey be conducted on those who lost houses and they be considered for giving flats built by the BDA.

He was speaking at a meeting to review the encroachment clearance drive conducted by the BBMP. The meeting was also attended by Congress legislators, besides officials belonging to various departments in the city.

“You have to give preference to kalavues linking tanks and lakes. Even if big builders have built buildings on such links, they should be razed. Don't show mercy on builders who have connections with politicians. No matter which party or leader they draw support from, you have to go clear encroachments on Rajakaluves connecting two tanks," he said, adding that dead tanks and those which lost the original form should not be touched now. He was of the view that common man was the biggest sufferer as floods during the rain would hit him the most than anyone else.

He directed the BBMP officials to give him the list of those who lost houses so that BDA could consider giving them BDA flats. Later, Bengaluru Mayor Manjunath Reddy said the Palike was waiting for a report from officials on the encroachment of Rajakaluves in IBL township in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. "Once we get the report, we will launch the operation," he said virtually hinting at Kannada cine actor, Darshan's house may be razed too.