BENGALURU:
Tushar Giri Nath, Chief Commissioner of BBMP, has instructed officials to promptly clear encroachments on the Storm Water Drains (large water channels) within BBMP’s jurisdiction. These encroachments have been identified by land surveyors and orders issued by the Tehsildar.
During a meeting held at the BBMP headquarters on Friday, Giri Nath emphasized the immediate removal of encroachments on SWD as directed by the Tehsildar. He further stated that squatters who have not yet received orders should be notified, and eviction operations should be carried out.
A comprehensive operation to address drainage encroachments across the city is necessary. Therefore, Giri Nath instructed officials to evacuate encroachments with the assistance of police security during the eviction process.
The concerned land surveyor should prepare a map without any discrepancies, aligning it with the village map and notes. The respective Tehsildar should then issue orders accordingly. Subsequently, the encroachments should be cleared, and adequate canals should be constructed. Girinath emphasized the need for timely resolution of court cases related to encroachments and the subsequent clearance of these encroachments.
The palike has submitted a report to the High Court regarding the operation to clear the city’s extensive water canals and lakes. Girinath assured that appropriate measures are being taken to address encroachments within the palike’s jurisdiction.
So far, 2,247 encroachments have been cleared out of the identified 3,147, including new encroachments. However, an additional 900 encroachments still require clearance. Among these, 130 encroachment cases are pending in court, and 401 orders are currently being implemented. Girinath informed that the Tehsildar has already implemented orders for 370 encroachments, and the eviction operation for these encroachments must be carried out.
The palike is responsible for overseeing a total of 202 lakes. To tackle the issue of encroachments, letters have been sent to the tehsildars, urging them to identify encroachments in 159 lakes and take appropriate action in accordance with the action plan submitted to the High Court. Additionally, the Assistant Director of Land Records has been assigned the task of surveying 130 lakes within the corporation’s jurisdiction. As of now, surveys have been conducted in approximately 20 lakes, and it is recommended that the remaining lakes be surveyed for encroachments without delay.
Attendees at the meeting included Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner (Collector) Dr. Dayanand, Special Commissioner Dr. K. Harish Kumar, Zonal Commissioner, officials from the Rajkaluwe Division, Tehsildars of Bangalore City District, and other officials.
