Panel probing encroachments to go tough against builders

The committee headed by Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad will submit its final report in October
Panel probing encroachments to go tough against builders

BENGALURU: The legislature committee probing lake encroachments is set to recommend stringent action against big builders and real estate sharks who built apartments and developed layouts on encroached land. The committee headed by Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad will submit its final report in the last week of October.

In its report to the state government, the committee will recommend tough action, including seizure of personal property and ordering imprisonment for builders, to act as a deterrent, Koliwad said.

Replying to a question about the influence of the real estate lobby, Koliwad said there is no question of bowing to any pressure. If that was the case, he would not have been allowed to sit in his chair, he added.

“Time has come to take tough action against builders who have become law unto themselves. Our job is to submit the report. Acting on it is left to the government,” he said.

Expressing sympathy for the people whose houses are being demolished, Koliwad said there is no question of sparing any builder for cheating the people.

He also said action would be taken against officials who colluded with builders and real estate biggies to build structures and develop sites on tank beds and rajakaluves. A probe would be ordered to identify such officers. These officers are equally responsible for the present mess as they colluded with builders and turned a blind eye when illegal structures came up.

“I feel that such officers should be dismissed from service and sent to jail. It will then instil a sense of fear among other officers,” he said.

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The New Indian Express
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