Clear encroachments on Rajakaluve or face the music: DKS to property owners

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, incharge of the Bengaluru City Development, on Thursday went around the city to check the rain preparedness, ahead of the monsoon in the state.

The Deputy CM, accompanied by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath and other officials, went around the city in a bus and inspected several lakes including the Yamlur rajakaluve, the Bellandur, Varthur and Sarjapur lakes, and the DivyaShree apartments.

Near the Yemalur lake, clearance of encroachment was being taken up on a 800-metre stretch. Shivakumar directed the officials to take necessary measures.

DY CM DK SHIVAKUMAR VENTS ANGER AT OFFICIALS

The Deputy CM vented his anger at the officials over dirty lakes and encroachment of rajakaluves. Wherever courts have issued stay orders, he warned property owners to clear the encroachments themselves or face action. At Bellandur lake, the Deputy CM vented his anger at the BDA chairman over lack of cleanliness. He also inspected the lake vents.

When he asked to open the gate valve, a marshal and a security guard tried hard, but could not do so. He then directed the officials to ensure that there is no flooding like it happened at Rainbow Layout and DivyaSree Apartments during the last monsoon. "Be it DivyaSree apartment or DK Shivakumar apartment, Rajakaluve, Roads shall have a minimum width. I've directed to survey the width of SWD near DivyaSree apartment, said the Dy CM.

Speaking to the press later in the day, DK Shivakumar said, "I visited the places which witnessed frequent flooding. This is happening due to encroachment of rajakaluves. The encroachments are being cleared, but some people have secured stay orders from courts. They have been warned to clear the encroachments themselves or to face action as per law. I will continue going around the city and ensure that the city is rid of its problems," he said.

Shivakumar also directed the officials to ensure that places which witness frequent flooding are not affected much, with the monsoon expected to set in soon. Mahadevapura BJP MLA Manjula S Limbavali also accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during his visit.