Among the 45 houses surveyed, only 10 houses have been brought down by the task force of BBMP and the rest would be razed in the next four days, informed BBMP officials.

“Property worth more than Rs 20 crore will be demolished in the next couple of days,” said a BBMP official.

The drive which started early Thurday morning continued till 6 pm and the work continued inspite of protests from the residents. “After the survey was completed, we issued warnings and therefore there is no need for notifications,” said Srikante Gowda, executive engineer, Padmanabhanagar range.

Encroachments flourished in this area over the last 15 years leading to a reduction of the width of the drain from 15 ft to 8 ft, explained the official.

The demolition drive was a must to ensure that the rain water flows freely through the Rajakaluve without causing inconvenience to several other residents.

During rainy seasons, the area used to get flooded and overflowed from the drain. “But after the demolition, this problem would be solved,” the official said.

Around three JCBs and 100 gangmen were put on the job for the Thursday drive. “There was complete protection from the local police and task force police,” the official said.

EXPECTING A RAZE

Property worth more than Rs 20 crore will be demolished in the next couple of days. The Palike says this drive is a must to make sure that the rains will not wreak havoc on the residents around the drain.