Enchroachments over storm water drains: Advocate puts BBMP on notice

PRESS NOTE
For kind favour of publication

BANGALORE, September 17, 2009: Having exhausted all means to clear encroachments over storm water drains, advocate S. Umesh has now threatened to file a PIL against the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) if it fails to initiate action within 15 days.

Mr Umesh, President, Five Year Law Course Advocates Association, first complained to the BBMP along with photographic evidence regarding the encroachment of drains, which led to water logging on roads and flooding of basements.

When the civic body ignored his complaint, the advocate approached the Lok Ayukta on July 16. Even this did not prod the BBMP to demolish the illegal structures. Finally, Mr Umesh filed an RTI application seeking details on the status of the complaint submitted by him.

It was only then that the BBMP responded that action was initiated against two structures. “The Corporation demolished two insignificant structures, while letting the big fish go scot free. Major encroachments include the Gurudwara at Ulsoor, the parking lot at Jasma Bhavan Road and shops on the drain at Nala Raod, Shivajinagar,” he said.

Mr Umesh has now provided a fresh list of encroachments where three to four storey buildings have come up on the storm water drain at JC Road. A copy of the complaint has also been sent to Urban Development Minister S. Suresh. “I will not rest until all the illegal constructs are demolished, even if it means going up to the Supreme Court,” the advocate added.