The Hindu 03.01.2014
A third of raja kaluves encroached, says survey
200 km of storm-water drains encroached upon
Nearly a third of rajakaluves (storm-water drains) in and around Bangalore have been encroached upon and this is the chief reason for extensive water logging during rains, according a survey conducted by the Deputy Commissioner of Bangalore Urban district.
The study found no less than 200 of the 650 kilometres of storm water drains (30.7 per cent) surveyed were encroached upon.
A team of officials from the District administration, along with 66 engineers from the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and 44 surveyors from the Revenue Department conducted the survey.
Deputy Commissioner (Bangalore Urban) G .C Prakash told mediapersons that 227 of 251 villages were surveyed and that the remaining villages would be completed soon. He said that Bangalore is worst affected during the rains with several residential areas frequently witnessing water-logging.
The issue of water-logging was brought to the notice of Revenue Minister V. Srinivas Prasad, who directed the officials to resurvey the rajakaluves, Mr. Prakash said.
As per procedure, the BBMP and the Revenue Department have to issue notices to the encroachers before evicting the place to restore the storm water drain.
The reportfinds that temples, schools, residential apartments and agricultural lands rank among the top encroachers. The survey also found that government bodies have also been found built in violation, according to a senior police officer who participated in the survey. Mr. Prakash said that the BBMP will prepare a plan of action to demolish encroachments for which the Revenue Department will be provided necessary assistance.
The BBMP, which is planning to start the eviction process after 10 days, said the purpose of serving notices is to enable encroachers to clear off.
If not, it will be done after the stipulated time and the expenses incurred for the eviction drive will be recovered from the encroachers, said BBMP officials.
