The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) continued its demolition drive on Wednesday to clear encroachments on stormwater drains at Yelahanka and Mahadevapura zones.
The drive was supervised by the BBMP joint commissioner of the Yelahanka zone in Subbanna Layout, Dodda Bommasandra. Starting from the government school in the area, structures till the Muneshwara Temple were demolished, covering an area of about 1km.
According to BBMP officials, close to 50 structures were razed using 10 JCBs, three cutters, five dumpers and four tractors. Furious shopkeepers said they were not given enough time to shift their belongings to safer places.
"Is our shop a vegetable pushcart that can be cleared overnight? We were informed about the demolition yesterday," said Shoba Mohan, an owner of a plywood shop.
"By daybreak they arrived to the spot with the machines. We have spent several lakhs to construct our buildings. If they ask us to evacuate overnight, what are we expected to do for a living?" Shoba said.
The situation turned tense with several residents arguing with Mayor N Manjunath Reddy, who was present to oversee the demolition drive.
'Previous survey different'
"The previous survey is different from the present one. The new sketch will lead to the demolition of my house and shop," said Manjesh, a resident of Subbanna Layout.
However, officials defended their actions, saying the drive is based on the old survey. A BBMP official said the demolition drive will be completed by Thursday.
Martyr's house to be partly razed
Bad luck has struck the family members of Lt Col Niranjan Kumar twice this year. But on both the occasions they have put up a brave face.
In January, they lost Kumar during the Pathankot airbase terror attack and now, the Palike has marked a portion of their building for demolition at Dodda Bommasandra.
Kumars mother Radha Shivarajan said, "We do not want any special treatment just because we are the family members of a martyr. If our house is on a stormwater drain, we are ready to face the same consequences as the others have."
Two pillars of the building will be razed to clear the encroachment.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) continued its demolition drive on Wednesday to clear encroachments on stormwater drains at Yelahanka and Mahadevapura zones.
The drive was supervised by the BBMP joint commissioner of the Yelahanka zone in Subbanna Layout, Dodda Bommasandra. Starting from the government school in the area, structures till the Muneshwara Temple were demolished, covering an area of about 1km.
According to BBMP officials, close to 50 structures were razed using 10 JCBs, three cutters, five dumpers and four tractors. Furious shopkeepers said they were not given enough time to shift their belongings to safer places.
"Is our shop a vegetable pushcart that can be cleared overnight? We were informed about the demolition yesterday,” said Shoba Mohan, an owner of a plywood shop.
"By daybreak they arrived to the spot with the machines. We have spent several lakhs to construct our buildings. If they ask us to evacuate overnight, what are we expected to do for a living?” Shoba said.
The situation turned tense with several residents arguing with Mayor N Manjunath Reddy, who was present to oversee the demolition drive.
'Previous survey different’
"The previous survey is different from the present one. The new sketch will lead to the demolition of my house and shop,” said Manjesh, a resident of Subbanna Layout.
However, officials defended their actions, saying the drive is based on the old survey. A BBMP official said the demolition drive will be completed by Thursday.
Martyr’s house to be partly razed
Bad luck has struck the family members of Lt Col Niranjan Kumar twice this year. But on both the occasions they have put up a brave face.
In January, they lost Kumar during the Pathankot airbase terror attack and now, the Palike has marked a portion of their building for demolition at Dodda Bommasandra.
Kumar's mother Radha Shivarajan said, "We do not want any special treatment just because we are the family members of a martyr. If our house is on a stormwater drain, we are ready to face the same consequences as the others have.”
Two pillars of the building will be razed to clear the encroachment.