HD Kumaraswamy’s 10-day deadline for action against ‘land grabbers’
BENGALURU: Setting a 10-day deadline for action against all those who allegedly encroached upon 177 acres of forest land at Jakkur-Allalasandra plantation and resignation of industries minister R V Deshpande for purchasing land in this area, state JD(S) chief H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday threatened to move the green bench of the Supreme Court on the issue. Besides, Mr Kumaraswamy also hinted that he would include 711 acres of Kadugodi plantation, now a bustling private industrial area.
Speaking to the media here, Mr Kumaraswamy said leaders of both ruling Congress and Opposition BJP were maintaining a stoic silence over the issue as they too own property on encroached land.
Taking a dig at Mr Deshpande’s justification that he was fifth or sixth owner of land, Mr Kumaraswamy ought to have verified facts before purchasing land. Citing many rulings of the Supreme Court, including the one which ordered demolition of residential layout formed by Haryana Government on forest land near Chandigarh, Mr Kumaraswamy said even purchase of encroached land was an offence.
“Being a minister, he should have known the antecedents of the land,” he added. Mr Kumaraswamy disputed Mr Deshpande’s claim that land was allotted to those who lost land in Thippagondanahalli reservoir projects. “After I revealed the document, the Yalahanka Tehsildar has come out with a report in support of those holding land in Jakkur plantation. The Tehsildar himself claims that there are no supporting documents for his claims. As per Mysore state notification, about 18 houses were acquired for the project in 1934, which were measuring not more than 20X30. However, Tehsildar claims that these sites were allotted to them in 1952. When the forest officials sought documents pertaining to allotment of land in State Gazetteer, the officials in Gazetteer say that they do not have any documents pertaining to such land transfer,” he said.
Goa PCC responds to ex-CM’s letter
Answering a question on sharing water of the river Mahadayi, Mr Kumaraswamy said Goa PCC President Mr Felerio had responded to his letter and called him. “Now, we have to check up with Goa CM for an appointment before fixing a date to visit Goa,” he added.
