Koramangala fights for its lung space

Koramangala fights for its lung space
BENGALURU


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n a classic case of June 18: In a classic case of the conflict between development and the environment, residents of Koramangala 3rd Block Resident Welfare Association are battling Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to retain 6.2 acres of land situated adjacent to Mestripalya lake, as lung space. The BDA had converted the area into a layout.
The residents are demanding that the land must be converted into a tree park and should also be utilised for creating a raja kaluve connecting the lake. This would help solve the flooding prob

lem during the monsoon, said Mr Vishwanath K., secretary of the association.
The BDA had created 47 sites and formed a layout.

The association took the battle to court which stopped BDA from allotting the sites.

However, seven sites were allotted to MLAs and also registered in November last year. The residents have challenged the allotment to the MLAs by filing a PIL.
Commissioner, BDA, Mr Siddaiah, who inspected the spot along with Rajiv Chandrasekhar, MP, said the land was awarded to the Legislators Housing Co-operative Society by the government.

“About 24 site allottees have been given alternate sites in other layouts while the others

awaiting court orders. Action will be initiated as per the court's direction," he said.
Mr Siddaiah directed his engineers to prepare an inventory of the open spaces and playgrounds in the Koramangala area.