Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar mandated the BBMP to ban construction within 50 feet of storm-water drains and lakes
Published Oct 26, 2024 | 7:02 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 26, 2024 | 7:02 PM
BBMP Chief Commissioner orders removal of encroachments on stormwater drains
BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath has initiated the clearing of encroachments on major stormwater drains and lakes within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits.
During a recent meeting with zone-level tahsildars and senior officials, he set a 15 November deadline for clearing structures that have come up on encroached government properties.
In his directive, Nath emphasised the importance of assigning responsibility for the maintenance of major stormwater drains and roads to the respective zone commissioners effective immediately.
Stormwater drain encroached buildings demolition work carried out in the Spice Garden area of Munnekolal going on by engineers team Mahadevapura zone. #BBMP #BBMPCares #DKShivakumar #bbmpadministrator #bbmpchiefcommissioner pic.twitter.com/nQkVwe3XL7
— Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (@Bbmpcares) October 25, 2024
He instructed tahsildars to review all pending proposals concerning encroachments and ensure designated areas are cleared by the stipulated deadline. Failure to comply will result in appropriate action against the responsible officials.
Addressing the issue of lake encroachments, the chief commissioner ordered an immediate survey of all lakes under BBMP jurisdiction. Once the survey records are available, officials are to commence clearing operations for any identified encroachments, irrespective of them being private or public.
The meeting included key officials such as Bengaluru Urban District Commissioner Jagadeesh G, special commissioners Avinash Menon Rajendran, Preeti Gehlot, and Dr Harish Kumar, as well as various zone commissioners and other personnel.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also weighed in, stating that all illegal constructions will be halted. He announced that powers previously withdrawn from officers would be restored to facilitate the removal of encroachments and curb illegal construction activities.
Shivakumar also mandated the BBMP to prohibit any construction within 50 feet of storm-water drains and lakes.
In addition, he directed the BBMP to develop a master plan to construct channels to facilitate the flow of rainwater into the lakes, while keeping the sewage out.
These directives were issued during a disaster management meeting at the BBMP head office on Thursday, where officials discussed strategies to mitigate flooding that affected the city following the onset of the northeast monsoon.
Fortunately, rainfall diminished on Thursday, offering some relief to residents in impacted areas.
Water levels in the flooded Kendriya Vihar Apartments in Yelahanka significantly dropped, and the BBMP took steps to clean the sewage treatment plant tank and sump.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
