R. Roshan Baig, Minister for Urban Development, Haj and Wakf, has sought a detailed report from Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) and Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) in connection with the construction of a controversial palatial residential apartment (now in finishing stages), allegedly by a former Congress MLA, on an open stormwater drain in a prime locality in the city.
He also sought report on encroachment on a kilometre-long footpath on Double Road Stretch from NCC office Circle to Hanuman Nagar Circle. The pavement has been turned into mini-gardens by residents, including sitting Congress MLA Feroz N. Sait.
“We will take action against officials if found guilty,” he said, while responding to a spate of questions at a press conference here on Thursday.
Though the BCC Commissioner G. Prabhu submitted that the construction permission had been given to the owners of the apartment some time during 2013-14 (by one of his predecessors), no official present at the press conference, including those from the BUDA clarified on how the BCC could approve construction of a building on a storm water drain.
He referred to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s comment last week making it clear that the government would take prompt and appropriate action against all illegal structures — no matter who the owner was.
“We have to show that the law is equal for all,” he told the officials.
