ayanagar residents speak through action

ayanagar residents speak through action
Track Unauthorized Constructions, Give List Of Offenders To BBMP And BDA For Follow-Up
Aarthi R | TNN

Bangalore: Encroached vacant plots in J P Nagar with no sign of the owners. Some have become private gardens, some parking space for the neighbours.
This apart, 14 acres of Byrasandra lake has been reduced to less than 9 acres; a rather residential Sarakki Main Road is now congested with traffic and commercial hubs and one portion of the road leased out to a petrol bunk. That’s just a few of the rampant violations.
Tracking unauthorized constructions is usually difficult, but a recent people’s initiative in Jayanagar has helped the BBMP and BDA with a long list of offenders. Chances are that at least two or three of them involve illegal constructions on large, vacant BDA land.
Leading with good example
Locals spotted encroachment, disappearing marginal lands and abused Civic Amenities sites and submitted their report to the Jayanagar MLA B N Vijayakumar, along with details and detailed location map. These residents and welfare associations in Jayanagar are leading the way in curbing encroachment.
“We got tremendous support from the people. All their observations submitted to us so far have been scanned, sorted and sent to both the BBMP and BDA in batches, along with supporting documents. The exercise has made their job easy. What’s left now is action and restoration,’’ Jayanagar MLA Vijayakumar said.
People’s support crucial
There are records for almost all the land in the city, but even a well-planned area like Jayanagar is not free from encroachments and irregularities. He says, “It all needs consistent and complete support of both the people and, most importantly, prompt action by the civic officials,’’ he points out.
HOW IT STARTED
The hunt started in February this year. The spastics society approached the MLA Vijayakumar for land. However, both the BBMP and BDA said they were helpless as there was ‘no vacant land’ available there. But, a casual walk through the area shocked him.
“There were so many vacant plots hidden in the residential areas — many even as extensions of a few houses. When we enquired, no one knew who the owner was!’’ he says.
EVALUATING THE CATCH
“The exercise has been really helpful. Our preliminary investigation into all the cases submitted to us has been completed,” said ACP of BDA demolition squad Narayanswamy.
“At least two or three major irregularities have been identified and we are glad to the residents for their effort. We’ll submit our report to the BDA commissioner shortly. If confirmed, demolition will be initiated to restore these properties immediately.”
Residents take action New people’s initiative in Jayanagar help BBMP, BDA with long list of offenders
Locals spot expanding encroachment, disappearing marginal lands and abused Civic Amenities sites
They submit report to Jayanagar MLA B N Vijayakumar
Details and detailed location map comprise the report
These residents and welfare associations in Jayanagar lead the way in curbing encroachment Violations galore
14 acres of Byrasandra lake reduced to less than 9 acres
Residential Sarakki Main Road congested with traffic and commercial hubs
A portion of the road leased out to a petrol bunk