50 temples exist on prime government land in City

50 temples exist on prime government land in City
Bangalore June22 DH News Service

The High Court has ordered notice to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and South Western Railways in connection with encroachment of railway land along the stretch between the City Railway Station and Yeshwanthpur Railway Station adjacent to Bangalore-Mumbai broad gauge lines.

H N A Prasad and Ganesh, both residents of Malleswaram had filed a Public Interest Litigation, seeking to demarcate and take over the land adjoining the railway track belonging either to the railways or the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

The petitioners submitted that though 100 feet on either side of the railway track, which runs through Okalipuram, Srirampuram, Malleswaram and Yeshwanthpur, is prime government land spanning an area of at least about 50 acres, neither the BBMP nor the railways had made an attempt to fence it.

The authorities, the petitioners pointed out, had let the land for use by hawkers, ‘godmen and devotees of gods.’

Over 50 temples had come up along this stretch in connivance with the Railways and BBMP authorities, they told the Court.

No scientific approach

Pointing out that no scientific approach has been made to protect the property, the petitioners submitted that the authorities are either scared to issue an injunction to prevent construction or stop the illegal construction.

Seeking a direction to the State Government and Railways to take possession of the property and fence it, the petitioners sought for an immediate survey of the land as the first step in this regard.

The division bench comprising Justice V G Sabhahit and Justice A S Bopanna has ordered notice to the BBMP and Railways.