BENGALURU: As the BBMP demolition drive kicked off on Saturday in various parts of the city, fear has been lurking in the minds of residents living in the layouts adjacent to the encroached spots.
After reports of BBMP’s demolition drive spread, residents of DUO Enclave in Kodichikkanahalli have been a worried lot. As this reporter took a stroll down the lanes of this layout, people could be heard discussing about the possibility of demolition. In fact, the DUO Enclave Resident Welfare Association is looking at all possible ways to minimise damage to its properties.
Anand from the association said, “We do understand the issues and are not opposing the civic agency in any way. All we are asking is to minimise the damage to our properties and ensure smooth flow of water. We are requesting the state government and the BBMP to be liberal as most of the residents are retired citizens who have spent their hard-earned money and their life’s savings in building or purchasing their houses. For many, these houses are their only source of income.”
The BMTF has identified a few buildings on 2nd Cross of this layout for demolition. This includes two apartmens complexes which have 16 houses each.
Anand adds, “As far as our survey and map go, there are no rajakaluves passing through our enclave. In fact, I have a court order that states there is no rajakaluve passing through this area.”
“Moreover, the authorities went ahead with the demolition drive and yet again did nothing to book the officers or real estate players who brought this havoc upon us. Every time, the government and the civic agencies say they will take stringent action against the officers behind this mess, but we only see demolitions. No action is ever taken against those responsible.”
Mallikarjun, a resident, says, “People in the entire locality have been having sleepless nights. After all, this is where we live. If they bring down our homes, we have nothing left. All of a sudden, they are now saying that there is a rajakaluve passing through this area. In all these years that we lived here, we did not see any officer coming for a survey.”