As anger grows in his constituency over his perceived indifference, Congress MLA N.A. Harris has assured that it will take no more than eight to ten months to construct the rehabilitation colony for those displaced by the BBMP’s recent demolition drive at Ejipura. The rehabilitation colony is proposed to come up at Sarjapura on the City's outskirts.
Speaking to The Hindu at the demolition site late on Monday night, Mr. Harris said, “The sanction of the central government [for the rehabilitation colony] is expected to come in before the end of the month.” Asked which central government scheme would fund the project, Mr. Harris said that he was not sure.
Sources in the BBMP told The Hindu that the construction of the rehabilitation colony will be undertaken by the Slum Development Board under central funding.
Mr. Harris also said that he would personally oversee the work at Sarjapura and ensure that the displaced residents are rehabilitated in their new houses within eight to ten months.
Asked to respond to the resentment towards him expressed by the evicted slum dwellers, he said, “What can I do? They are all unauthorised occupants. The demolition was ordered by the High Court.” He said that the Gurthina Cheeti (rights certificate) given to the residents by the BBMP is “not an allotment letter and has no legal standing”.
