Settling the issues

BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP) seems to have woken up to smell the “stench”, as they carried out operations in Pottery Town area to remove illegal structures, that were constructed on a Storm Water Drain (SWD).Armed with one JCB, four tractors and two tippers, the BBMP razed seven homes to the ground in the Gandhi Gram area of Pottery Town.Sharing details of the operation, assistant executive engineer (AEE) Mahadev said that the construction was impeding smooth flow of water there. “They had built structures adjoining the retaining wall of the compound,” he said, and added that the same had led to stagnation and impeded flow of water. “Their construction had obstructed the design and discharge of the SWD as well,” he pointed out.But home owners, whose houses were demolished claimed that their homes had been there for over three decades. Mahadev said that they had intimated the home owners of this action and said that they had no grounds to claim the land, as it was solely meant for the SWD.He also said that water from the Hebbal Valley would flow into this drain, and all the constructions had added to the stagnation and flooding in the area. These actions are part of the ongoing drive of the BBMP to remove illegal structures on all drains in the city.Many drains had been encroached upon by individuals, which had proved as a hurdle for smooth discharge and flow of either rain or sewage water, and had led to stagnation and floods during heavy rains of the city. BBMP commissioner had also personally supervised the demolition of such structures and had stated that the operations would be carried out “mercilessly”, as the actions of a few individuals were affecting commuters, pedestrians and households during heavy downpours. Mahadev added that the drains would now be de-silted by the SWD department of the Palike.