Stating that only 10 per cent of unauthorised developments and constructions would be regularised under the Akrama-Sakrama scheme, the State government on Thursday told the High Court of Karnataka that any instance of illegal constructions in future would be dealt with an iron hand.
Making it clear that the scheme was a one-time measure to “solve the problem and move forward” and not encourage illegalities, Advocate-General Ravivarma Kumar contended that the apex court had allowed regularisation of unauthorised structures even up to 100 per cent as a one-time measure.
“We are only allowing up to 50 per cent regularisation of certain violations like in Tamil Nadu,” he said, while pointing out that unauthorised constructions were a result of movement of population towards major cities. Those benefiting from the scheme are the “victims” and their number was marginal, the Advocate-General said in response to a query — from a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.H. Waghela and Justice Ram Mohan Reddy — if the scheme made the violators of law to have a field day.
Policy for growth
Meanwhile, the Bench asked the Advocate-General whether the State has a policy to manage and control such illegal constructions and to develop smaller towns and villages so that people found employment in such places, instead of requiring them to move to major cities for employment. The Bench also asked why all government offices required to be located in Bengaluru.
Mr. Kumar said the government already had an action plan in this regard and was encouraging setting up of industries in smaller towns.
