Finally, three years after its constitution, the legislature committee headed by Assembly Speaker K.B. Koliwad submitted a 247-page report on encroachments of lakebeds in and around Bengaluru. It has recommended a wide range of measures to save the city’s green areas and lakes. In an interview with The Hindu , the Speaker says it’s the government’s responsibility to implement the recommendations.
Excerpts from an interview
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
There is nothing impractical or contradictory. We allowed status quo on structures built by State agencies, such as BDA and BBMP, for public purposes. However, encroachments by private developers and builders will not be allowed. The government can take over such properties and either lease them out or grant ownership of such properties to owners/families by fixing an amount.
What is your stand on constructions on rajakaluves?
After last year’s experience of floods in Chennai and Bengaluru, we have recommended merciless demolition of all buildings built on rajakaluves.
ADVERTISEMENT
What about innocent people who purchased houses on rajakaluves?
They (families) should have inquired before purchasing such properties built illegally. The burden lies upon the purchasers. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Will slum-dwellers get relief or compensation?
Of course. We recommended that some arrangements to be made to give alternative sites to slum-dwellers residing on lakebeds/rajakaluves.
With just about five months left for this government, do you have any hope of implementation of the report?
Implementation is the the job of the executive and not ours. We have studied a lot and given a genuine report. We have not given the report for this government. It’s the responsibility of whichever government is in power to implement it.
You must be aware that several reports submitted in the past are gathering dust.
I cannot argue or answer for other reports.