Roadblocks cleared for better access to airport

Roadblocks cleared for better access to airport


BBMP officials razing illegal structures at M S Palya
Express New Service
First Published : 03 Nov 2008 11:43:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Nov 2008 02:06:05 PM IST

BANGALORE: Over a 100 houses at M S Palya near Jalahalli were demolished by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Sunday to improve connectivity between West Bangalore and Bengaluru International Airport. The demolitions that have rendered hundreds homeless were carried out from 11 am, as a part of the Palike’s plan to widen the road connecting Yelahanka and Yeshwanthpur.

According to residents, none of them were given any warning prior to the demolition. “We were caught completely unaware. We were told that demolitions would be carried on from Monday, but we were shocked when they started demolitions today morning,” says Khalid Ahmed, a resident.

According to S Subramanya, BBMP Commissioner, this is just a case of the government taking back its land. “This is an important arterial road. These unauthorised structures have been built in the last 10-15 years on what used to be a road.” He said that the demolitions are being carried out with mutual consent. “When the residents were shown the maps of the area they readily agreed to vacate their premises,” he added.

The residents have a different story to tell. “We were given no notice and absolutely no time to move our belongings.

We had to hurriedly move out whatever we could when the bulldozer started the demolition,” says Zabiulla.

According to Palike officials, residents were not given any individual notices as the demolished houses were on government land. They say that public notices had been put up three months back.

However, according to Clifton Rozario of the Alternate Law Forum, the government has to issue individual notices to residents even if the building is on government land. “Only after issuing the notices and after the residents have been given reasonable time to respond to it, can the demolition be carried out,” he said.

According to BBMP officials, demolition will continue on Monday too.

The 8.5 km-stretch, which is presently 40 feet wide, will be widened to 80 feet.

Work is expected to be completed within the next 30 days at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore.