BELAGAVI: The fact that Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) was in a state of complete disarray was admitted by none less than Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who disclosed in the Legislative Council on Thursday that illegal residential buildings have mushroomed on 3,750 acres of land belonging to the authority, and worth several thousand crores of rupees.
“In spite of BDA awarding compensation to land owners, illegal buildings have come up in 3750 acres of land. I have found these illegal constructions on BDA land during my recent city rounds,” Mr Siddaramaiah said in reply to a question by Mr Y A Narayanaswamy of BJP. Without having ownership of land, people have constructed houses in BDA layouts and even secured permission from BBMP and obtained electricity connections. “I have ordered for a comprehensive survey, and asked BDA officials to submit a report soon,” he added.
The Chief Minister said illegal buildings have not come up on overnight but even in layouts formed several years ago. After obtaining detailed report on encroachment on BDA layouts, the government would take a decision whether to clear the residents or regularise illegal constructions after imposing a penalty.
The Chief Minister said illegal residential buildings were constructed in Nandini Layout, Laxmidevinagara layout and other BDA layouts in the city. For formation of 68 layouts, BDA has issued notification for acquisition land of 39, 803 acres of which it has acquired 22, 394 acres. Of 39, 803 acres, BDA has denotified over 6, 869 acres of land, the Chief Minister added.
