Press Note: Advocate files RTI over BBMP's inaction against illegal constructions on drains

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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RTI application seeking details on action against encroachment of storm water drains in Bangalore

ANNEXURE “A”
(See rule 3)
The Right to Information Act 2005

To:
Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike
Bangalore

1. FULL NAME OF APPLICANT: S. Umesh

2. ADDRESS: President, Five Year Law Course Advocates Association (Regd), No 19, I Floor, 18th Cross, Cubbonpet, Bangalore- 560002 Phone: 9880356178(M) / 080-22113508 E-mail: advocate.umesh2007@gmail.com

3. PARTICULARS OF INFORMATION REQUIRED: Status of complaint submitted to the Commissioner, BBMP on June 16, 2009, seeking action against illegal construction over storm water drains.

(i) Subject matter of information : Illegal constructions over storm water drains in Bangalore, with particular reference to the following: 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

(ii) Period to which the information relates : 2009

(iii) Description of information required : (Details may be attached on additional A4 size paper if required)

1. The applicant had submitted a complaint to the Commissioner, BBMP, on June 16, 2009, along with photographic evidence, regarding illegal constructions over storm water drains in Bangalore. The applicant would like to know what action the BBMP has initiated against the illegal constructions listed in the complaint.

In case, the BBMP has not yet initiated action against the said illegal constructions, has it set a deadline for their demolition?

(iv) Whether information is required by post or in person :

(v) In case by post (Ordinary, Registered or Speed) :

4. WHETHER THE APPLICANT IS BELOW POVERTY LINE : No(If yes, attach a photocopy of the proof thereof)


Place: Bangalore
Date: August 17, 2009

Sd/-

Signature of the applicant

Encld: Copy of the complaint enclosed

Why are children of Kannada activists studying in English schools, asks Advocates body

PRESS NOTE
For kind favour of publication

BANGALORE July 4, 2009: The Five Year Law Course Advocates Association has come down heavily on Kannada activists, littérateurs and politicians who propagate the use of mother tongue but educate their children in English medium schools.

In a statement, Mr S. Umesh, President, Five Year Law Course Advocates Association said: “It is well known that the children and grandchildren of Kannada activists, writers and politicians study in English medium schools. Under the circumstances, they have no justification in demanding that the children of others should study in Kannada medium schools.”

Those fighting for the cause of the mother tongue should first swear on affidavit that their wards are studying in Kannada medium schools. “Unless they come out with such a declaration, they have no moral right to propagate the cause of Kannada. Ironically, some of the littérateurs who recently filed a PIL in the High Court, are themselves English teachers,” Mr Umesh noted.

The Government should follow the time-tested three language formula instead of imposing Kannada as the compulsory medium of instruction from first standard. Stating that Kannada should be taught as the first language in schools, he said, “The importance of the local language cannot be undermined. Those opposed to Kannada, have no place in Karnataka.”

In this competitive world, students of Kannada medium schools are at a disadvantage when compared to their counterparts in English medium. While Kannada needs to be respected and learnt, knowledge of English is a must to give the students of Karnataka an edge in the global scenario, Mr Umesh added.