BBMP blind to encroachment

BBMP blind to encroachment
Three weeks on, babus are yet to wake up on complaint against encroachment of a conservancy lane in New Guddadahalli
DEBI PRASAD SARANGI


Encroaching upon government land is not a new thing in our country. But when the same violation is reported to the authorities and the situation is not remedied, there is something seriously wrong.
Well, that is what businessman Raj Ahuja feels after his complaint to the BBMP about encroachment of a conservancy lane in his neighbourhood fell on deaf ears. The official apathy has only emboldened the encroacher who blocked the lane with construction material.
Ahuja, who has his business unit on First Cross in New Gudadahalli, had submitted a complaint to BBMP commissioner Bharat Lal Meena on Sept 23 and was assured that the matter would be taken up as soon as possible. In his complaint, Ahuja stated that Sreenivas had encroached upon the entire stretch of the five feet wide and 100 feet long conservancy lane.
“Sreenivas has encroached the entire conservancy lane by dumping bricks and stones meant for construction purpose since Sept 8. There are nine business establishments on both sides of the lane, including mine. The stretch is meant for pedestrians. Now, our customers are finding it very difficult to reach our shops. Despite several requests, he hasn’t cleared the material. Though the BBMP commissioner had assured action against the offender, nothing has happened till now,” he said.
Ahuja had also approached Byatarayanapura police seeking their intervention in the matter. “On Sept 24, the day I registered a complaint with the police, Sreenivas even tried to attack me with a stone,” he said.
The BBMP officials in charge of the area were not available for comment. When Bangalore Mirror contacted BBMP Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena, he said, “I will direct my officials to take action.”