K'taka CM issues first issues first response of demolition drive amid massive waterlogging in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, September 13: In the aftermath of massive waterlogging in Karnataka's Bengaluru following heavy rainfall, the city's municipal body city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike(BBMP) started a demolition drive against the illegal structures obstructing the Rajakaluve.

 

 

Basavaraj Bommai responded to the demolition drive and said, "I want to clearly state that any structure that is obstructing the Rajakaluve will be demolished. A lot of people have been affected due to the rains. A few people have constructed their homes in a place where Rajakaluve has to be placed and blocked the area."

 

Notably, the Rajakaluve is a drainage system, which has been in place in Bengaluru for years. It is designed in a way that all lakes in the city are interconnected and if one lake overflows, the Rajakaluve will automatically distribute the excess water to other lakes.

 

 

 

Adding further, CM Basavaraj Bommai said, "I have given clear instructions to locate the normal rainwater drainage system and not to discriminate during the process. It does not matter who has encroached on the area, everyone will be meted out the same treatment."

 

 

 

Speaking about people being affected due to the severe floods in Karnataka's capital, the CM said, "Everyone has been affected because of the rains, including the IT sector and common people. I have given instructions to carry out the procedure at the earliest. The court has also taken cognisance of the matter and we shall follow whatever is instructed to us."

 

Soon after the heavy rains that lashed down in Bengaluru and flooded the city, Bommai declared on Monday, September 12 that eviction notices have been served to those who have built houses illegally on the Rajakaluve, which has obstructed the free flow of water.

 

The CM said that the closed Rajakaluve, due to illegal encroachments, has affected the flow of rainwater in the drain.