Minister for crackdown on drain encroachments

Minister for crackdown on drain encroachments


Express News Service
02 Sep 2008 04:37:00 AM IST
BANGALORE: Encroachments on storm water drains would be demolished soon, Health Minister R Ashok announced on Monday.
Speaking during his visit to rain-affected areas accompanied by MP Ananthkumar and others on Monday, he said that action should also be taken against the BBMP officials involved in the encroachment process.
Houses that have come up on the land should be razed as they are contributing to the clogging of storm water drains, he said.
During his visit to Bhadrappa Layout, he said that a new drain must be built as a solution for the overflowing drain water. Recalling the Puttenahalli situation last year, he said that Puttenahalli is not facing any rain-related problems this monsoon as a new drain is being constructed in the area. He visited Dollars Colony near Sanjaynagar, ISRO Layout, Bhadrappa Layout and Hennur Road.
NO LEAVE
The Minister also directed the BBMP officials not to take leave for the next four days and instead monitor the situation as it was likely to continue to rain in the next few days. He also asked the BBMP officials to appoint and involve around 4,000 workers to control the situation during rain crisis.
Junior-level engineers can monitor the team members divided into groups, he said.
SAKRAMA
A one-time solution to the Sakrama issue is expected soon. A Bill will be prepared in this regard and is sure to bring some relief to the worried tax payers, he said. "We are trying for a one-time solution and this will be announced soon," he said.
NO RELIEF FOR HENNUR
Though the Ministers visited Hennur, they did not step out of their cars as it started raining. They drove back and did not visit the rain-affected areas here, said the residents of Vaddarapalya.
Hennur Layout Resident Welfare Association secretary N Muniraju said: "The problems are neverending here and with the overflow of Hennur lake, the drains are blocked and the area has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Though measures have been taken to desilt the drains, there has been no relief from stench and mosquitoes." They urged the officials to spray mosquito repellants but nothing as the residents fear the outbreak of epidemics.
SITUATION ON MONDAY
Heavy rains during the weekend has left a trail of woes in areas adjoining Hennur Road, Sanjay Nagar, Vaddarapalya, Byaraveshwara Nagar, Mysore Road, Bhadrappa Layout, ISRO Layout and parts of BEL Road being the most affected.
Office-goers witnessed traffic jams on all major roads that remained inundated.
The overflowing Hennur, Hebbal lakes continued to inundate the nearby layouts.
More rain is predicted during the week. The BBMP Commissioner has said that Bangalore City is safe and there is no loss or damage to properties and lives due to heavy rains.