In an open letter to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara
Palike Commissioner, Amnesty International India has demanded that the
BBMP ensure that those affected by its forced eviction of around 1,200
families from the Economically Weaker Section Quarters in Ejipura are
immediately provided with essential medical services, drinking water,
access to sanitation and basic housing, “in line with international
human rights standards”.

Amnesty International said
that it is particularly worried about the health and living conditions
of an estimated 200 families currently living in makeshift housing near
the eviction site.

“Amnesty International is
concerned about those living on the pavement, particularly children,
older members of the community and pregnant women who face serious risks
to their health and safety. We are also concerned about the increased
risk of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, to women
and girls from the evicted community,” it said.

Citing an article that appeared in
The Hindu
recalling Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar’s promise to direct the Bruhat
Bangalore Mahanagara Palike to immediately build temporary shelters in
the area for use until the end of the academic year, Amnesty
International pointed out that construction of such shelters was yet to
begin.

It has also asked the civic body to ensure
that those living on the pavement near the eviction site are not subject
to intimidation or harassment; to provide effective compensation for
loss or damage of property; initiate a process of “genuine consultation”
to provide alternative housing to those affected, and initiate an
independent investigation into the use of unnecessary force by police
officials against activists and residents.