Manyata Techpark to face action if found gulity: Yelahanka Joint Commissioner
BENGALURU: After a 15-year-old boy got washed away on October 7 in a storm water drain near Manyata Techpark, the BBMP has ordered for a survey of the drain following the complaints that it has been allegedly encroached upoon and diverted by the techpark.
The Yelahanka Joint Commissioner, Dasarahalli Sarfaraz Khan, told Deccan Chronicle that following the accident the local residents alleged that the path of the drain was encroached, affecting the natural gradient and flow of water. Already survey has been ordered and it would commence shortly by state revenue department, along with the BBMP’s storm water drain wing. The encroachment gives rise to water stagnation and mosquito menace.
“In case the survey proves encroachment of drain by the promoters of the tech park then they will have to bear the cost incurred for the removal of encroachment, men and material employed for two days for fishing out of body. Besides, compensation will be demanded from them,” Khan said.
Read | D J Halli drain sucks out 15-year-old boy’s life
As many as 20 people and an earthmover were deployed for two days and the BBMP engineers are estimating the cost incurred for the operation. Based on the survey a comprehensive report will be submitted to the Mayor B.N. Manjunath Reddy and Commissioner G. Kumar Naik, Khan said. Already a survey has been conducted by Tahasildar, under the supervision of deputy commissioner of (Bengaluru Urban) V. Shankar, However, the official report is yet to be submitted, he added.
“During the spot inspection it was noticed that a builder had encroached upon the drain by constructing a ramp over the drain. The encroachment had been removed,” Khan said.
No rules violated: Techpark
The promoters of Manyata have clarified that, “While the incident is unfortunate, Manyata owners would like to reiterate that this accident occurred beyond our premises. There has been no encroachment by us and we have not violated any of the norms. We have paid all taxes to the BBMP and are also committed to the development of road and drainage infrastructure in and around the park – and have repeatedly offered support for various projects.”
“Any work done by the techpark has been to upgrade drainage systems within its boundaries. However the techpark cannot be held responsible for substandard or blocked drains outside its boundaries. Nor can techpark be held responsible for flash flood waters which emanate from north Bangalore (Yelahanka) and cause such regrettable incidents downstream. We will continue to support a full review and upgrade of the rainwater, sewage and road network nallahs in the Nagarwara, Rachenahaali and Hennur areas to reduce incidents of flooding.”
