Karnataka government to clear encroachments on storm water drains

BENGALURU: The State Cabinet on Wednesday decided to limit the demolition drive in Bengaluru city to only buildings that have come up on drains that are in use (live drains).

The government will honour the 2011 judgement of the Karnataka High Court and National Green Tribunal on clearing encroachments on storm water drains. The government will remove all unauthorised constructions without any discrimination, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister TB Jayachandra said. The demolition drive will be carried out by the Revenue department, BDA, BBMP and City Town Planning Authority.

The minister said the recent judgement of the National Green Tribunal is applicable only to Bengaluru City, and not the rest of the state. There have been complaints that revenue department and Survey & Settlement department officials were trying to collect money from residents in areas around storm water drains. In view of this, the government has clarified that authorities will clear encroachments only on drains, and not demolish constructions in other places. The Legislature Committee will soon submit its report related to encroachment of lakes. The government will clear encroachments on lake beds, as well as live lakes, the law minister said.

According to him, the government has reclaimed 29.8 acres by demolishing houses on drains, and will act with a firm hand on all encroachers regardless of their status in the society.