IAF blocks road, 13 families isolated

IAF blocks road, 13 families isolated
Bangalore Dec 24 DH News Service

As many as 13 families living on Chimney Hills on Hesaraghatta Road were cut off from rest of the City following the blockade of the access road by the Indian Air Force for security of the radar station, on Thursday.

Sources said, the Air Force took charge of the road along the properties of 13 families living atop the Chimney Hill, which houses the radar station. The road is the only link between the people living atop the hill and the City.

Now that the IAF has taken possession of the road, the people cannot take their vehicles out. Even if they have to walk down, they have to pass through a check post.

Legal dispute

The dispute was pending before the court for years. Since 1997, the Air Force wanted to acquire the entire area to ensure safety of the sensitive installation. The residents fought the case in lower courts and in 2008, the verdict favoured Air Force, allowing it to take possession of the road. On Thursday, the Air Force acquired around 500 metres from its establishment, prohibiting any civilian construction in the area. Nearly 100 people are affected by the move.

The residents went to file a complaint with Soladevanahalli police who asked them to go to Peenya police station as the area comes under its jurisdiction. However, the Peenya police too refused to register complaint stating that the area comes under Horamavu police station limits. When approached, the Horamavu police said they could do nothing as the residents have lost the case in the court. They told the affected party that the Air Force is soon going to build a compound.

Meeting

The aggrieved residents met Dasarahalli MLA Muniraju, who is said to have spoken to Air Force officials. A meeting of the Air Force officials, the MLA and civilians is convened on Friday morning.