During his inspection of encroachments on storm water drains (SWDs) in Bommanahalli on Tuesday, Mayor Manjunath Reddy stopped construction of a multi-storey apartment complex on the grounds of diverting existing SWDs and violating the buffer zone of Haralu lake.
He also ordered putting a banner outside the building cautioning people that the property is under dispute.
It is the first time that a big builder is being targeted by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike in its demolition drive against encroachments on SWDs. The civic body had been taking flak for targeting small buildings while allowing major players to get away.
‘Another Kodichikkanahalli?’
The Mayor said, “Upon inspecting the construction work, we have ascertained that the builder has diverted SWDs, changing its location which prevents proper flow of water into the lake, thereby restricting the smooth flow of water. This is another Kodichikkanahalli waiting to happen.”
He pulled up local engineers and demanded a report on who exactly was responsible for granting necessary permission to the builder.
Regarding the allegation of violating the buffer zone, the distance from the lake to the building was checked with a measuring tape. On finding the allegation to be true, the Mayor ordered the demolition of the temporary compound wall.
“The whole city is spitting on us, and this is the reason. Permissions and sanctions are granted for illegal work. Big builders like these will exit the scene once they have sold all the 300-odd flats here. The ones who will suffer are the people who invest their entire life savings in buying such properties,” he added.
He also patiently heard the claims by H. Venkatswamy Reddy, a local farmer, who claimed that the land was his and alleged that the builder had refused to vacate the same despite court directions.
Builder says
A spokesperson from Puravankara Projects Ltd said that the building has “not encroached on any private or public property (SWD)”, and that the property had been purchased though a valid sale deed.
“We have the BBMP khata for the entire extent of land in our name, complete with all taxes paid till date. We are the rightful owners of the property and have adhered to all by-laws and obtained all the necessary no-objection certificates and plan sanctions. Referring to the 7.5 guntas of land, the matter is sub-judice,” the spokesperson added.
