BENGALURU: From Saturday, the bulldozers and earth movers will roar across almost all the lakes and drain networks along the eight zones of the BBMP.
Following the recent flooding at Kodichikknahalli, BTM Layout, Bommanahalli, Madiwala and Sarakki in South Bengaluru, due to the large-scale encroachment of storm water drains and lakes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the BBMP to ruthlessly bulldoze encroachments, irrespective of whether they were big or small.
The CM was apprised of the fact that of the 1,923 encroachment cases at lakes and drains, 822 have been cleared and the remaining would be cleared soon.
Although the BBMP had a preparatory meeting on Thursday evening to plan the demolition drive from Friday, it has been postponed by a day.
The BBMP has been mobilizing the men and machinery required to take up the demolition drive. They are also taking the local police, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Task Force and the revenue department into confidence so that they can conduct the demolition drive without any hindrance or law and order problems, said sources in BBMP.
While speaking to DC, BBMP Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad confirmed that the demolition drive will begin from Saturday. The joint commissioners of all the eight zones and other officials have been provided with a list of encroachers and they are chalking out a zone-wise plan of action.
Already, a co-ordination meeting was held with all the eight BBMP joint commissioners, local police, BMTF sleuths and personnel from the revenue department. All the officials have assured their co-operation for the drive.
“All the officials will swing into action from Saturday. Since the CM has given instructions, no other instructions are required. All encroachers are the same to BBMP. Irrespective of whether they are big or small, all will be treated equally,” Prasad said.
All joint commissioners will locally mobilize men and machinery. They are already in touch with local police to avert any law and order situation. Since there has already been encroachment of lakes and drains, there is no need to issue notices to encroachers, added sources.
BBMP Chief Engineer (SWD) Siddegowda has prepared a list of encroachments and sought consent from Prasad to begin the demolition drive, said sources.
