A day of demolitions, swelling public anger

A day of demolitions, swelling public anger
Tuesday September 18 2007 10:26 IST

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

Residents resent double standard for people, builder

BANGALORE: On the one hand, 10 houses constructed on a ‘Raja Kaluve’ (storm water drain) are being razed. On the other, a parallel Raja Kaluve is all set to become the ramp of an apartment complex being built by a reputed builder.

Viewed by the residents as a double standard on part of the Government and the BBMP, the problem of shrinking drains in Puttenahalli led to an altercation between the residents and the builder on Monday.

The heavy rains and the subsequent demolition of illegal structures built on the storm water drain by the BBMP has ensured flooding of all access roads in this area. This left the residents with no option but to break the compound walls bordering a parallel storm water drain to gain access to the main road.

The residents alleged that the apartment, Sobha Tulip, built by Sobha Developers had incorporated the Raja Kaluve within their compound virtually cutting off the residents from the road.

The residents alleged that despite repeated complaints to the BDA during the construction of the complex, no action was taken against the developers. They demanded that the builders remove the arch constructed in the entrance of the complex and on the drain, as the storm water drain was public property and could not be usurped by the builders. The builder however refused to comment. Police had to intervene to resolve the issue temporarily.

Proactive BBMP

On Monday, demolition work was being carried out in full swing as BBMP homed in on its final culprit at JP Nagar 6th phase. The tenth building earmarked for demolition in this area for blocking access the storm water drain was being razed to the ground late into Monday evening. The four storeyed building which is about 10 years old had been constructed on the storm water drain.

The foundation of the building had occupied half of the drain (about five feet) and was restricting the flow of water during the rains last week and thereby discharging the water onto the roads. As the foundation was being removed, water could be seen gushing out on the roads.

When asked how they would prevent the construction of such structures in the future, BBMP Deputy Commissioner Venkateshappa said the area would be asphalted once the demolitions were over. No charges were expected to be filed against the owner of the property for the violation.

Residents have been asked to temporarily shift to the camp that has been set up at the Puttenhalli Government school, but none have obliged.

BBMP has also been widening the water drains in front of the houses. Roads are still waterlogged as residents have to wait for another day for BBMP to clear the debris from the demolition to allow all the water to drain.