BENGALURU: THE recent re-survey exercise undertaken by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) on the instructions of the state government has left a section of residents worried. If BMRCL goes back to the old alignment and selects the location near Cantonment Railway Station for the Metro station, these residents stand to lose their houses. In July, BMRCL had published the alignment and location for all stations on the reach-6 underground section. Soon after, several commuters started opposing the move to locate the Cantonment Metro station away from the railway station and under a school playground.
While BMRCL stuck to its stand and justified the move, a wave of support for the old location led the state government to order the resurvey. But now the threat of demolition of houses looms large. Sources in BMRCL said that at least five buildings, including a large residential complex located on 1 acre of land, will have to make way for the underground tunnel if the old alignment is chosen. This news, intimated just before the commencement of work on the stretch, has left many residents anxious and helpless. “During the survey, the BMRCL officials did not enter our apartment block.
We heard that our property will be acquired and demolished but there is no official intimation yet. Why are we being told now when the project was planned years in advance,” said a resident of Mangalya Residences, who did not want to be named. This property is one of the few which will have to be demolished in order for the construction of a shaft connecting the two tunnels. However, the group which is supporting the old alignment says that it is possible to find an engineering solution without having to acquire these properties.
“If the BMRCL can reduce the distance between the stations (Cantonment and Pottery Town) below 1,500 metres, the mid shaft will not be required,” said Sanjeev Dyamannavar, a member of Praja.in, a civic activist group. Dyamannavar is now planning to write to BMRCL in order to highlight a few options which could be taken instead of demolishing the buildings or shifting the station to the playground. However, according to sources, the decision now lies with the government as both options as well as the result of the re-survey will be put before it for a decision.