Encroachments on the raja kaluve (storm-water drain) in Peenya Industrial Area coming under Dasarahalli zone were removed by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Wednesday.
According to a press release issued here, as many as 29 industrial sheds had encroached around 950 metres of the raja kaluve. These were removed using an earth mover, under the supervision of BBMP officials and police personnel.
It may be recalled that last year, several industrial units and nearby residential areas were flooded. This was attributed to the encroachment of the raja kaluve. By removing encroachments, the BBMP officials claimed there would be no flooding in the future.
B. Somashekhar, chairperson of the BBMP’s Standing Committee for Major Works, told reporters that the office of Deputy Commissioner (Urban) had already taken up a digital survey of the storm-water drains in the city. He also claimed the BBMP would bring down all encroachments without bowing to pressure. “Based on information provided by the Deputy Commissioner (Urban), encroachments were removed in Peenya 2 Stage today,” he said.
The press release stated that while some encroachments were removed, several industrial establishments that had encroached upon the raja kaluve sought one week’s time to remove the encroachments themselves.
Meanwhile, the BBMP officials have been directed to stop the construction that is coming up on the raja kaluve in the 3 stage of the industrial area. They have also been directed to issue a notice to the building owner and cancel the building plan approval.