Arkavathi abhi door hai...

Arkavathi abhi door hai...
Deccan Herald

The bedevilled Arkavathi Layout project, still does not appear to be out of the woods. It looks like the BDA should get ready for another round of battle before its brainchild becomes a reality.

The bedevilled Arkavathi Layout project, still does not appear to be out of the woods. It looks like the BDA should get ready for another round of battle before its brainchild becomes a reality.

Friday’s High Court verdict which upheld the BDA’s right to take up developmental works has in no way dented the morale of the people who stand to lose their lands if the layout comes up as planned. Accusing the BDA of adopting ‘partial’ and ‘corrupt’ practices, they have vowed to continue with their protests against the layout.

Firstly, the affected people, most of them marginal farmers, are unhappy about the selection of place for the project. “What was the need for the BDA to plan the project in the developed areas?” they continue to ask.

The project with an extent of 2,750 acres of land covers 16 villages in Bangalore East and North taluks.

Secondly, they complain that the compensation offered to them is much lower than the market rates. “In our village (K Narayanapura), the BDA has acquired 133.05 acres of land. The compensation offered is Rs 13.5 lakh, but the actual market value exceeds Rs 1 crore. We would not have approached the Court if the acquisition process and compensation offered was fair,” says Krishna Murthy of Rachenahalli whose two acres of land, on which stand 34 houses, stand has been acquired by BDA.

Ramachandraiah, H Kodandaramaiah and Dr K N Venkataswamy, whose land has been acquired, all voice the same opinion. All these people are among the 1,424 people who had approached the High Court. They are firm that they will appeal against Friday’s judgement. They complain that the BDA left out property of influential people.

Impediments

Even if one leaves all these aspects aside, the BDA’s assurance to complete the project within six months does not look practical.

BDA Commissioner M N Vidyashankar says that work would begin immediately in the 2002 acres of land and take a decision about work in the remaining 748 acres of land which was under litigation after hearing the landowners’ grievances.

He has promised to complete the civil works in three months and complete the allotment process in six months.

Encroachments

During the legal wrangle, encroachments have multiplied on the acquired land. The BDA has to remove encroachments before starting the work. Clearing encroachments in densely populated areas is easier said than done. In the past, when the BDA started civil works, the locals had set two JCB machines on fire resulting in a law and order problem.

Before the allotment, the BDA has to complete the following works -- road laying, storm water drains, site formation, cross drains, culverts, erection of stones for numbering, site area border stones, layout plan boards and signages.

CONFUSING?

Ever wondered how the controversial Arkavathi layout looks now?

Do not venture to find out even if you are one of those who figured in the earlier provisional list of the BDA. Because you are bound to be disappointed. Firstly, it is very difficult to trace the land acquired in 16 villages (Bangalore East and North taluks) for the project. Even if you are successful in identifying the lands, you will be surprised as you find standing houses, shops, hospitals, worship places and even a burial ground on them.