In the aftermath of the floods, there have been accusations of apartments and layouts diverting storm water channels. “However, in many cases, this unscientific diversion may have been done ‘legally’ under the watch of the Revenue Department,” said Ramachandra, Secretary, Forest, Environment and Ecology Department.
They exploited a loophole in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, which empowers Deputy Commissioners to deem canals within large projects – for instance five acres or more – as ‘non-viable’. The canal is then acquired and either diverted or just filled up, he said.
“In many cases, you see canals ending in large projects of builders. When there is excess run-off in such places, it spills over to neighbouring areas,” he explained.
The House Committee was asked to review this provision.