Refusing any forms of relaxation on demolitions, the Karnataka High Court directed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to submit the names of officers, involved in giving clearance to illegal structures close to storm water drains and lake beds, by August 23.
Justice L Narayanaswamy ordered the BBMP to pull up those officers who worked hand-in-hand with encroachers. According to the court, the officials concerned reportedly approved land conversions, sanctioned layouts and building plans and issued occupancy certificates to buildings close to drains and lake beds.
The court even rejected a plea by property owner Nama Krishnaiah, who sought a stay on the demolition of his property in Kasavanahalli in Bengaluru. The judge said, “It is high time to direct the state to amend necessary acts to initiate criminal action again
The court’s order to demolish structures close to the storm water drains will mostly impact residents of Kasavanahalli, Kaikondanahalli and Mahadevapura in Bengaluru.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a probe would be initiated against the officers responsible for sanctioning the plans. If action is initiated against these officers, it will perhaps be for the first time that officers would be punished for colluding with builders.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:oneindia.com)
