PRESS NOTE
For kind favour of publication
August 17, 2009
ENCROACHMENT OF DRAINS: ADVOCATE FILES RTI
Mr S. Umesh, President, Five Year Law Course Advocates Association has filed an RTI application seeking details of the action initiated by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) against illegal constructions over storm water drains.
The advocate who has led a sustained campaign against such encroachments had filed a detailed complaint with the Commissioner, BBMP, on June 16, 2009 along with photographic evidence of illegal constructions over the drains.
Mr Umesh contended that these constructions were responsible for water logging on roads and flooding of basements during the rains. “Though I filed a formal complaint which received wide coverage in the media, the BBMP is yet to act even after two months.”
In his complaint, the advocate had urged the BBMP to initiate action not only against illegal constructions but also zonal officers who permitted them. “The corporation is shying away from taking action as its own officers are hand-in-glove with the encroachers.”
Mr Umesh who has already complained to the Lok Ayukta against the civic body’s inaction, has threatened to file a PIL before the High Court seeking demolition of illegal constructions and action against the BBMP Commissioner.
The following illegal constructions have been listed by the advocate in his complaint: 1. Chowdeshwari Kalyana Mantap, Lakkasandra, Bannerghatta Road 2. Venkateshwara Nursing Home, Gupta Layout, Lakkasandra, Bannerghatta Road 3. Layout near Ulsoor Lake 4. Ulsoor Gurudwara 5. Jasma Bhavan Road, Miller’s Tank Bund 6. Corporation Shops, Nala Road, Opp Beef Market, Shivajinagar
“I will take this issue to the logical end. Why should innocent citizens suffer because of corrupt corporation officers and land sharks,” he asked.
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