BBMP delays enquiry on land encroachment
Even as the Lokayukta and the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) are probing allegations against two big builders who allegedly encroached upon government land, the BBMP is conducting its own enquiry. The enquiry, supposed to be completed in July, is yet to be conducted.
Mayor D Venkatesh Murthy had ordered the probe much before the BMTF or the Lokayukta started looking into the issue. It, however, has not made any headway so far.
On July 12, following directions from the Mayor, BBMP Additional Director (Town Planning) A V Rangesh wrote to the Joint Commissioner (Bommanahalli) directing him to conduct a total station survey and submit the report by July 31.
A copy of the letter available with Express states that there is an allegation that the builders DLF Homes and Saudela Constructions Private Pimited (Hiranandani) have encroached upon the government land and not left space for CA site as mentioned in their layout plan.
They have also encroached upon storm water drains. The survey of the area of the land in question at Begur village (Bommanahalli zone) was to be conducted by the BBMP Revenue surveyors, revenue officials and the ward engineer. We are yet to get the report from the joint commissioner, Rangesh told Express on Friday.
“The officials are yet to complete the task. Once we get the report, we will take appropriate action,” the Mayor said. BBMP’s Joint Commissioner (Bommanahalli) Hemaji Naik said the survey work is going on and it is expected to be completed soon.
BBMP Assistant Executive Engineer (Begur ward) Prakash said that BBMP deligated the survey task to external agency, Alcon Consulting Engineers and Architects in November.
“They have completed the survey and our surveyors are verifying it. Once they complete their work, it will be sent to BBMP revenue department officials,” he said.
It can be recalled that on November 13, BMTF registered a case against builders and senior officials of BBMP and BDA and has taken up the investigation.
Case in Lokayukta Court
Meanwhile, a case was registered by Lokayukta on October 22 about the issue.
Lokayukta Special Court Judge N K Sudhindra Rao on November 15 directed the Lokayukta DySP to investigate the case under section 156 (3) and submit a report by December 15.