All rules followed, say builders; experts disagree

Survey report shows builders encroached upon 75pc of SWDs, politicians also have a hand in it, says former corporator
All rules followed, say builders; experts disagree

BENGALURU: While builders across the city came out to clear the air on Friday that they have complied with all the rules and none of their projects are on Storm Water Drains (SWD), city experts say the maps show it all and there is no need for any clarification from the builders.

Former corporator N R Ramesh on Friday filed a case with the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate against 268 builders, 91 officials including those from BBMP and BDA, and 10 politicians including the Chief Minister.

He said, “The survey report says it all. About 75 per cent of encroachments on SWDs  are by these builders. Big builders and politicians are all part of this mess. Of the 840-km SWDs, they are sitting on 480 km. This is worth `1.2 lakh crore. And now they are denying any encroachments, which is very hilarious.”

Social activist S R Hiremath says, “The recent turn of events shows that something has gone terribly wrong with the city and this needs to be set right. Because of the influence of money and power, private builders were able to manipulate the system. They have succumbed to greed and, as a result, we have lost the SWDs. I just hope the state government will not fall prey to any manipulations and will do what is needed to be done to save the city.” 

The construction industry coming together to condemn the government move just shows fear psychosis that has been created due to the ongoing demolition drive and the recent reports that have been doing the rounds.

Urban expert V Ravichandar points out, “Anybody who has followed and are in compliance with the law have nothing to worry about. Neither should they come and give any clarification. The fact is we need enough transparency in the government process and visibility. The government data needs to be made easily accessible to the public. This will also create peer pressure as citizens can ask each other to comply with the rules.”

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