BBMP commissioner Manjunath Prasad on Monday said that the additional chief secretary has begun inquiry against municipal officials who allowed constructions on storm water drains.
With the BBMP tearing down structures encroached upon storm water drains in a number of areas in Bengaluru, the residents are left shocked and homeless.
Even the residents who possess an ‘A’ khata for their properties are unsure whether it would prevent their buildings from being demolished.
The Times of India quotes the commissioner as saying, “All original documents pertaining to constructions on storm water drains are being handed over to the officer who has been asked by the chief minister to conduct the probe. Criminal cases will be filed against officers who sanctioned plans for construction on storm water drains and issued occupancy certificates. The exercise will be expanded to other parts of the city.”
He added that BBMP officials are equally responsible for the damage, just like the builders and encroachers.
Distraught residents, corporators and Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy came down heavily on the officials who allowed the encroachments. The MLA also questioned why FIR has not been filed against the officials for sanctioning the plans.
Mayor BN Manjunath Reddy said that sub-registrars must be made accused number 1 for their role in allowing sale of such properties to private individuals.
Meanwhile, BBMP has decided to take up demolition drives on every Tuesday and Saturday.
A TOI report indicates that BBMP’s legal team may file a caveat on Mondays in the High Court to prevent home owners from getting a stay on the demolition.