Bansavadi Lake: encroached again

Evicted in October 2022; encroachment in the same place now

Bansavadi Lake: encroached again

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: There has been encroachment once again in Banasawadi lake in City's East taluk. The area which was cleared twice earlier under the command of Tahsildar has been encroached again.

BANGALORE EAST TALUK KRISHNARAJPURA BAANSAVADI SURVEY NO.211 In 2015, the taluk administration had vacated the private encroachment of 2 acres and 1 gunte in Banasawadi lake yard of 40 acres and 20 gunta. Prajavani published on October 17, 2022 that it has been encroached again under the title of 'Ecroachment in the Vacant Place'.

As per the orders of Tehsildar of East Taluk, the eviction operation of Banasawadi lake yard was held for three days from 27th. Later, due to the influence of local politicians, the complete evacuation was halted. Now, the vacated place is once again encroached upon. Construction of buildings has started. Revenue, BDA, BBMP officials are putting the protection responsibility on each other.

Banasavadi Village Survey No. 211 42 acres 38 gunte government lake yard land has been taken over by the government. There is a notice board with the order of the city collector saying 'Trespassing prohibited'.

Clearing the encroachment of lakes and canals in the city limits is a big task. After achieving such an achievement, if it is not maintained, it will be transgressed again. Banasavadi lake is another example of this. The buildings were vacated by the Tahsildar. A massive construction is being done at the same place. Gopala Reddy, a local, complained that, they have complained to the BBMP and Tehsildar about this, but no use.

Action for eviction: Tehsildar

"If encroachment is there again in Banasawadi Lake, action will be taken and eviction will be done immediately," said Tehsildar Ravi.

Not given to us: BBMP 

'Banasavadi Lake has lost its existence. The government has been informed that a development plan will be formulated if the encroachments are completely cleared,'' BBMP officials said.

Property worth ₹1,500 crore: K.J. George

In my constituency, the Banasavadi Lake has been eaten up by the old and the new. BDA has launched HRBR. The taluk and district administration said that the encroachers have created fake documents and consumed them. It is a public property worth around ₹1,200 crore to ₹1,500 crore. There are unseen hands behind this conquest. Some of the legal department is involved in this. The revenue department minister should take action to clear this expropriation as soon as possible, K.J. George applealed in the assembly to the then Revenue Minister R. Ashoka.

Locals have appealed to George, who is now a minister, to vacate the encroachment. But, their there is no action.

 Encroached by whom?

According to the survey report, temple – 6.12 gunte, petrol station and buildings – 1 acre 28.9 gunte, BDA – plot 12 acre 33 gunte, road – 7 acre 31 gunte, drain – 24.08 gunte etc.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬಾಣಸವಾಡಿ ಕೆರೆ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಒತ್ತುವರಿ - ತೆರವಾದ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲೇ ಇನ್ನೊಮ್ಮೆ ಒತ್ತುವರಿ

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು | ಬಾಣಸವಾಡಿ ಕೆರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉದ್ಯಾನ: ಡಿ.ಕೆ. ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್‌

Cleared seven years ago, now there are buildings 

BANASAVADI LAKE: ENCROACHED PLACE OCCUPIED AGAIN 

Kere Manjunath 17th October 2022

Bengaluru: Clearing the lake-canal encroachment in the city limits is a big task. After achieving such an achievement, if it is not maintained, it will be transgressed again. A clear example of this is the Banasavadi lake in Bangalore East Zone.

Bangalore East Taluk Krishnarajapura Hobli Banasavadi Survey No. 211, the area of the lake which was 40 acres 20 gunta. In which Government and BDA occupied 22 acres 19 gunta. BDA made a road on the lake, created Kalyannagar and allotted plots. Private encroachment 2 acres 1 gunta. It was vacated by the taluk administration in 2015. But because BDA and BBMP have failed to put a fence around it and use it for public use, temples, many kinds of showrooms, service centers and private nurseries have come up illegally there.

The survey was conducted in the past:

As per the instructions of the House Committee, a survey of Banasavadi Lake was conducted in 2015 as per the order of the Land Survey Revenue System and Land Records Department Commissioner. The survey was also approved by the Land Records Officers of East Taluk and the BDA Officer. Officials also conducted evacuation work. But according to this survey, all encroachments have not been cleared till now. The question of the locals is whether the House Committee is not being given wrong information. About the encroachment of this lake, MLA K.J. George had spoken in the assembly.

Notice lying in the corner:

'Banasavadi Village S.No. 211, 42 acres 38 gunta Government Lake land has been taken over by the Government. A lot has moved back from the place where the notice board of the District Commissioner's order saying 'trespassing is prohibited' has been put up and joined the corner. Some of the fences that were put up are also being cut and are being used by private individuals. Residents of Kalyannagar alleged that, although there is a sign saying that it is government land, the encroachment is increasing every day and it is a mirror of the officials' actions.

Use for garbage sorting:

BBMP, which is responsible for the development of the lake, has failed to clear the encroachments in the lake yard despite the instructions of the Chief Commissioner. But garbage is sorted in this lake yard. A lot of waste is being dumped into the lake. They are also setting fire. Also, during the festival of Ganesha, some space was made in the lake and filled with water for the immersion of the idol. Only then did the local leaders remember that the lake was here. Later, nobody noticed that the lake being a waste pit.

Occupied by whom?

BBMP reports that, temple – 6.12 gunte, petrol station and buildings – 1 acre 28.9 gunte, BDA – plot 12 acre 33 gunte, road – 7 acre 31 gunte, drain – 24.08 gunte…etc are there on the Banasavadi lake land.

Officers are responsible

Local leader Muralidhar complained that, 'We fought to clear the encroachment in Lingarajpura Lake, saved it and helped build a hospital with an area of 10,000 square feet. However, similarly in Banasavadi lake encroachment was also cleared. BDA, BBMP officials and taluk administration officials have helped the encroachment again without bringing a suitable fence and plan.'

Commissioner's notice is also priceless

Gopala Reddy, a resident of Banasawadi, alleged that, The BBMP Commissioner had listened to the complaints of the citizens in this area in July under the name of 'Commissioner's move towards the zone'. When the encroachment of the Banasavadi lake yard was brought to his notice, he instructed all levels of officials including Special Commissioner and Joint Commissioner Shilpa to take immediate action in this regard. Even for three months, not a single officer has come here. No matter who instructed the local authorities, they are not working. Everyone is in league with the squatters.

Joint survey required: Tehsildar

The taluk administration cleared the encroachment in the yard of Banasavadi lake once. It is also true that occupied again. It is the responsibility of BDA or BBMP to take care after we vacate the encroachment. Failure to do so is again trespassing. This lake yard needs to be surveyed jointly with BDA, BBMP. They have been informed. There was no reply from there. If everyone does a joint survey, all pressures can be cleared, Bengaluru East Taluk Tehsildar S. Ajith Kumar Rai said.

79 Building to clear: Three-day operation by Revenue Department

BANASAVADI LAKE: ENCROACHMENT REMOVAL BEGINS

28th October 2022

Bengaluru: The Tehsildar office staff of Bengaluru East Taluk has started the operation to clear the encroached area in Banasawadi lake on Thursday.

A special report was published in 'Prajavani' on 17th August under the title 'Banasavadi Lake: Re-occupation at the vacated land'. In a meeting held on October 19th, hold by Sarvajnanagar MLA K.J. Georgee had instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Urban District and Tehsildar that they should clear all kinds of encroachments.

As per the orders of Tehsildar of East Taluk, the staff has started the evacuation operation of Banasavadi lake yard. The evacuation operation will be conducted for three days.

Occupiers had an argument with the Tehsildar and staff during the encroachment eviction operation on Thursday. Some tried to put pressure by calling ministers and other MLAs.

East Taluk Banasavadi Survey No. Out of 211, BDA has constructed a pond in an area of 14 acres 27 guntas in a lake of 42 acres 38 guntas. In 2015, the then Tehsildar Harish had given all kinds of notices and issued orders to vacate the private encroachments. Accordingly, the encroachments were removed. There was also an order for eviction from the Lokayukta. But again, there is encroachment in this area. Commercial shops and residential houses have also been constructed. All these unauthorized encroachments will be cleared," said East Taluk Tehsildar Ajith Kumar. The Lokayukta, BDA, Tahsildar cited the court order and Sarvajnanagar Legislative Assembly proceedings in this order.

BBMP has reported that 1 acre is stressed by 28.9 gunte including 'Temple - 6.12 gunte, petrol station, service station, commercial shops and buildings. In about 79 cases there is encroachment. All this will be cleared," said the staff of the Tehsildar's office.

A nursery and three commercial shops under construction were evacuated on Thursday. The rest of the encroachment is marked. He said everything will be cleared from Friday.

"Hindered by invisible hands..."

MLA K.J. George said that all the encroached buildings in the Banasavadi lake yard should be vacated. However, some people from his office are putting pressure on the officials not to vacate all encroachments. Thus, the authorities are on the verge of complacency, clearing only a few encroachments. Thus, officials have brought only one JCB, saying they will vacate 79 buildings. Clearance operation is delayed considerably. They seem to be looking at the little ones, Locals Lokesh and Satish Reddy complained

'Smart City' another year 'slow'

Smart City: A new deadline of June 30, 2024; Works worth ₹300 crore in progress

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: The deadline for the completion of the Bengaluru Smart City project has been delayed by another year and works worth around ₹300 crore are still in progress.

The officials of the Smart City project were promising that all the works would be completed by June 23 and there would be no delay. However, there are still a couple of days left for that deadline, but seven works are still going on. As one more year has been given, the possibility of speeding up the works has diminished.

The capital Bengaluru was included in the 'Smart City Project' after a lot of struggle. Icon works were expected to take place in the city. However, more than half of the money was spent on Tendersure. Out of 32 roads, 5 roads are still not completed.

The work of providing state-of-the-art auditorium and other facilities in the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is still progressing. Although it is said that three quarters of the work has been completed, the actual picture is different. The redevelopment of the Economic center of the K.R. market has been going on for years. The chaos at the place is a mirror of the slow pace of work there.

 The much awaited Integrated command and Control Center (ICCC) is a project to provide security to the city, provide solutions to traffic, pedestrian and grievance issues at a single platform. It is still in its early stages. Car parking work has not started at Gandhibazar.

 As the deadline for smart city projects has been extended by another year, there will be further delay in the work. There will be further delay in getting the facilities to the citizens.

Almost getting over..

Smart city projects are almost complete. Some works have been delayed due to local issues. Everything will be completed as soon as possible. New projects cannot be taken up. Sushilamma, the managing director in charge of the Smart City project, said that the already planned works will be completed.

 44: Total projects

 37: Completed works

 7: Balance projects

₹928.57 crore: Cost of Smart City Project works

₹629.73 crore: Amount of completed works

₹298.84 crore: Value of unfinished works in progress

Works in progress

Work; Cost; Physical progress

Smart Tendersure Road – Millers Road, Cantonment Road, HKP Road; ₹41.40 crore; 95 percent

Smart Tendersure Road – Avenue Road, Reinus Street; ₹34.21 crore; 92 percent

Auditorium block at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium; ₹42 crore; 73 percent

K.R. Market – Redevelopment of meat market; ₹6.70 crore; 80 percent

K.R. Redevelopment of Market- Financial Centre; ₹40.05 crore; 85 percent

Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC); ₹112.35 crore; 85 percent

Multi-storied car park at Gandhibazar; ₹22.13 crore; 0 percent

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ‘ಸ್ಮಾರ್ಟ್ ಸಿಟಿ’ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ವರ್ಷ ‘ನಿಧಾನ’

SWD Encroachment: There is 'NO STAY' to the prestigious; But, there is 'NO REMOVAL OPERATION' too

BBMP Mahadevapura Zone: Encroachment of dignitaries including Nalapad, Bagmane-Purvankara

SWD Encroachment: There is 'NO STAY' to the prestigious; But, there is 'NO REMOVAL OPERATION' too

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: Even though the cases in the court are vacated, BBMP is counting on the eviction operation. Hence, the Encroachment of the Rajakaluve by the Prestigious buildings are still on.

In Mahadevapura area, which was tarnished as 'Bengaluru East drowned' due to heavy rains last year, famous ones like Nalapad, Bagmane-Purvankara, Rainbow Drive Layout have encroached on the Rajakaluve. Earlier when BBMP went to remove, they had brought a stay order from the court. Even though such a saty order has now been vacated, the BBMP officials are not taking action.

According to BBMP data, in 2016 there were 2,951 cases of encroachment of the Rajakaluve. The number has been cleared from time to time and now stands at 784. Excluding cases in court, areas encroached by BBMP, areas where canal route has been changed, there are now encroachments in 607 cases. Tehsildar has also ordered eviction in 119 places.

 Regarding the encroachment of the Nalapad Academy Embassy in Challaghatta, the case has been settled in court. Besides, the Tahsildar who conducted the survey issued a notice and issued an order for eviction, but the operation was not done. Similarly, the eviction order of RBD (Rainbow Drive) layout in Halanayakahalli, Junnasandra, Munnekolalu, Fern City in Doddanekkundi, Umiya businesses in Kadubisanahalli remains in the hands of BBMP officials. The staff was not instructed to conduct the operation.

 In more than a hundred such cases, the note has been written in the BBMP document that 'case disposed. Demolition to be taken up'. But this operation is not ready. In many cases there is an order from the Tahsildar for for eviction. Besides, the BBMP officials complain that the tehsildars are also following a policy of delay in issuing orders.

No person, even reputable institutions, should be allowed to encroach. I have instructed to clear everything," Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said this many times in the last 20 days. But, in reality, such an operation is not happening. Citizens' allegation is that the encroachment of institutions owned or owned by eminent persons and politicians is not being cleared.

 784 Total Encroachment places

 118: Cases in court

 607: Pending clearance

 119: Cases ordered by Tahsildar

 All will be clear... Tushar girinath

Rajakaluve encroachment clearance operation is going on every day. No encroachment wii be left. One day when a big building is vacated, everyone will know. sometimes when the compound and shed are vacated, it is not a big news, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath said.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ ಮಹದೇವಪುರ ವಲಯ: ನಲ‌ಪಾಡ್‌, ಬಾಗ್ಮನೆ– ಪುರ್ವಂಕರ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಿತರ ಒತ್ತುವರಿ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಿತರ ಒತ್ತುವರಿಗೆ ತಡೆಯೂ ಇಲ್ಲ; ತೆರವೂ ಇಲ್ಲ

Solid waste transfer station: Order to cancel the Work orders, tenders

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BSWML: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah orders a comprehensive investigation

Solid waste transfer station: Order to cancel the Work orders, tenders

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

PV- Report Impact

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered that the Work orders and the ongoing tender processes should be canceled immediately which issued by the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Authority (BSWML).

Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department has directed the to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the works implemented by BSWML since its inception, misappropriation of funds and the entire functioning of the organization and submit a detailed report.

Former Legislative Council member P.R. Ramesh had brought it to the attention of the Chief Minister that, government funds are being misused by BSWML. A report was published in Prajavani on June 20 under the title of 'Defective contract: Release of ₹13 crore. The Chief Minister on Tuesday afternoon sent a probe note to the Urban Development Department.

Also read... Solid waste management: Rush to set up big transfer stations: BBMP Prepare to spend ₹1,100 crore

Note Summary:

 In 2015, the government had set up six solid waste management units with a grant of ₹468 crore to adequately handle the collection, transportation, handling and disposal of solid waste under BBMP. These have become inactive in recent years due to improper management and the corporation has been unscientifically dumping solid waste at selected sites for Land fills. Solid waste management has worsened due to measures taken to set up waste centers on roadsides and under flyovers.

The Corporation has spent ₹1,100 crore on unproductive measures without complying with the National Green Tribunal and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Such unscientific actions of the corporation are projects that harm city traffic and public health and environment.

 Meanwhile, new programs under 'Shubhra Bangalore' action plan have been formulated by the state-owned BSWML organization established in 2021 for smooth collection, transportation and management of solid waste in Bangalore city limits. An advance of ₹13.45 crore was paid to Parishuddha Ventures, which had submitted a bank guarantee document against the norms and against the instructions of the government. Through this, the organization is misusing government funds without following the orders, instructions and rules of the government. Ramesh has brought these to attention. The Chief Minister has suggested that a report should be submitted on the mentioned points.

The hand of politicians!

 Politicians have a hand in the tender and contract of the three big transfer stations that BSWML was going to set up. There is a possibility of misappropriating hundreds of crores. Many crores have already been misappropriated. Action should be taken against the politicians and officials involved in this. The Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department should conduct an impartial investigation, former member of the Legislative Council. P.R. Ramesh demanded.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಘನತ್ಯಾಜ್ಯ ವರ್ಗಾವಣೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರ: ಕಾರ್ಯಾದೇಶ, ಟೆಂಡರ್‌ ರದ್ದು

Defective contract: BBMP Release of ₹13 crore

Solid waste management: Rush to set up big transfer stations: BBMP Prepare to spend ₹1,100 crore

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: Even though the Lokayukta is investigating the tender case for setting up large waste Transfer stations in the city, BBMP hastily released ₹13 crore to the contractors.

 The maintenance of a large transfer stations is being paid twice as much as the amount given to a 'small transfer station' for waste segregation. It has been complained that it is burdening the BBMP.

 Tenders were called for 89 packages for 243 wards under BBMP. In this tender, the rules are violated and the 'credit line/bank certificate' submitted by the contractor is not in order. 'Parisuddha Ventures' has been given the mandate despite being against the norms. There was a discussion in the Legislative Council that this should be prevented.

 'This will be investigated.' The then Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai had promised on February 23 that no money would be released. But ₹13 crore was released before the implementation of the Election Code of Conduct, said former member of the Legislative Council P.R. Ramesh complained.

 Bangalore Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) has proposed to set up three large transfer stations with six compactors, 45 containers, 21 trucks, and 21 hook loaders to collect 150 metric tons of waste daily from 25 wards each. If waste is separated on a large scale in the central part of the city, the problem that will arise in the surrounding area will not be solved. A complaint has also been lodged with the Lokayukta about many irregularities, illegal documents and violation of norms. He said that despite this, BSWML is ready to spend money and has also paid money to contractors through BBMP.

Letter to the Deputy Chief Minister

 A big mafia is operating in the field of solid waste disposal in the name of BSWML without following the orders and directions of the government. A proper investigation should be conducted in this regard and all works of large transfer stations should be stopped immediately. The political leaders and officials are involved in this illegality and should be investigated. On this regard a letter has been written to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Sivakumar, former member of Legislative Council P.R. Ramesh said.

 The Pollution Control Board, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) permission has also not obtained to set up these stations. Also, a buffer zone should be established around this center. The question arises as to whether such a large amount of land will be available under the BBMP, and if such a station is started in the middle of the city, the health of the citizens will deteriorate, he said.

Center in Koramangala is ready!

 BSWML has hurriedly carried out activities to start a 'big transfer station' near Sports Village in Koramangala. Earlier, Congress leaders had protested against the establishment of these centers. Environmental activist Vinod Rajan demanded that the unnecessary expenditure of crores of rupees should be stopped as the Congress government is in power.

 If huge amount of garbage is brought and sorted in Koramangala, people will not be able to live here. Sorting on the road side is already causing a lot of problems. If 150 metric tons of garbage comes here every day, what will we do?'' asked Gopal Reddy, a local resident.

'There is no reason that money should not be released'

 A Work orders has been given for the establishment of a large transfer stations. The work is going on and the money has to be released for it, Dr. Harish Kumar Special Commissioner of BBMP Solid Waste management Division said.

 A big transfer station has been prepared in Koramangala and its operation will start soon. If people come here and see, they will understand the system. It's not just think that everything is not okay. He said that systematic and scientific waste sorting is possible here.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಘನತ್ಯಾಜ್ಯ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ: ದೋಷಯುಕ್ತ ಗುತ್ತಿಗೆ: ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿಯಿಂದ ₹13 ಕೋಟಿ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ

BBMP: ₹13 thousand crore worth of work from KRIDL!

FIR already filed in 13 cases of Gandhinagar Assembly Constituency

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: KRIDL, which is embroiled in a ₹118 crore works scam in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency, has carried out works worth ₹13 thousand crores in the six years since 2015, according to BBMP records.

Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) has carried out various works in all assembly constituencies covered by BBMP. A complaint was filed in ACB on March 15, 2022 about the misappropriation of thousands of crores. It has now been transferred to the Lokayukta and the inquiry has started.

After it was proved that 113 works had not been carried out in the fake bill scam, the Lokayukta had suggested an inquiry into all the works carried out by KRIDL. Now the Lokayukta will investigate the complaint against the work worth ₹13 thousand crore.

Bangalore South District BJP Unit President Ramesh N.R. said in complaint that, ₹12,943,83,44,615 has been released for works carried out by KRIDL during the six-year period from 2015-16 to 2020-21. The information along with related work order and job code is given in 3,892 pages. During the same period, an amount of ₹8092,56,30,831 has been released to the 'sub-contractors' who have completed the work through KRIDL. He has also submitted a document of 6,932 pages officially obtained from BBMP in this regard.

According to the government orders, the most emergency works should be carried out by KRIDL through grants from Mayor and Deputy Mayor. However, without having a team of engineers, KRIDL's job is to get the work done and assign it to sub-contractors. The sub-contractors are given the title of 'Group Leader'. KRIDL charges a service charge of 11% of the estimated amount for each work.

 In 50% of the works entrusted to KRIDL, the works are not carried out. The letter explained that in 13 cases in Gandhinagar Assembly Constituency, such a scam has come to light and FIR has also been registered against the accused.

Thus, KRIDL works worth Rs 13,000 crore should be thoroughly reviewed. Ramesh demanded that legal action should be taken against those who released the money to the benami sub-contractor and those who received the money.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಗಾಂಧಿನಗರ ವಿಧಾನಸಭೆ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ13 ಪ್ರಕರಣಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ಎಫ್‌ಐಆರ್‌:- ಕೆಆರ್‌ಐಡಿಎಲ್‌ನಿಂದ ₹13 ಸಾವಿರ ಕೋಟಿ ಮೊತ್ತದ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ!

RR Nagara Emergency works DC bill ₹150 crore illegal

Release of funds without an estimate; Lokayukta's preliminary investigation evidences the scam

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: Lokayukta's preliminary investigation revealed that ₹7.77 crore was paid for emergency works in Rajarajeshwari Nagar zone without the permission of the commissioner.

The Lokayukta investigators who investigated the complaint that the works amounting to ₹196 crore were shown through the D.C. bills, from 2014 to 2018, out of which ₹150 crore was misappropriated, found evidence of the scam and started an inquiry into the entire documentation.

Based on Former ruling party leader of BBMP Ramesh N.R. complaint on January 23, 2018, the Lokayukta investigator wrote a letter to Rajarajeshwari Nagar Joint Commissioner on May 17, 2023. The 16 Engineers are directed to confirm and issue the approval files given.

 Summary of Lokayukta Inspector's letter:

In case of unforeseen circumstances within the wards, emergency work is done after obtaining the approval of the Executive Engineer of the respective Divisions, Chief Engineer of the respective Zones and finally the Joint Commissioner for the process of release of funds after completion of the works as per the estimate list related to these urgent works is called D.C. Bill (Detailed Contingency Bill). 

 As per rule DC bill amount should be less than one lakh rupees. Tenders should be invited as per KTPP Act for works of more than that amount. However, there are Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Yeshavantpur Assembly under the Rajarajeshwarinagar zone, has 14 wards here. In this scope, DC bill amounting to ₹196,71,58,052 in 45 months of 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 have been released. Out of this, 80% of the money was spent on emergency works, which is misuse of money.

 The petitioner had demanded that cases of fraud, forgery, breach of trust, abuse of power and corruption be registered against the 16 engineers by looting public funds along with contractors, worth hundreds of crores of rupees in the name of D.C. bills.

The preliminary inquiry was conducted by Urban Development Deputy Secretary-3 and the Chief Vigilance Officer came to know that, from 2014 to 2018, R.R. Nagara  Officials have released ₹7.77 crore earmarked for contingency expenses to D.C. bills. It was found that payments were made through D.C. bills without the permission of the Commissioner. Therefore, investigation officer wrote a letter to the Joint Commissioner on May 17 that all the relevant documents should be certified and given for investigation.

Referring to this letter, Chief Engineer, Rajarajeshwari Nagara Zone, wrote a note to the Executive Engineer of Kengeri Planning Division on June 9, instructing him to submit a certified document.

Works done in the name of D.C. Bill are...

•  * Water supply through tanker
•  * Painting of road dividers
•  * Road side soil removal
•  * Removal of silt in drains
•  * Clearing trees
•  * Telephone bills
•  * Planting saplings
•  * Developing gardens etc...

Engineers who are in the scam as complaint..

• Veerabhadrappa, Joint Commissioner
• Thippeswamy, Joint Commissioner
• Nagaraj, Chief Engineer
• Govindaraj, Chief Engineer
• Idaya Vendan, Executive Engineer
• Rudrawadi, Executive Engineer
• Srinivas, Executive Engineer
• Basavaraju, Assistant Executive Engineer
• Bhaskar, Assistant Executive Engineer
• Nanjappa, Assistant Executive Engineer
• Veerappa, Assistant Executive Engineer
• DC Umesh, Executive Engineer
• Lokesh, Executive Engineer
• Venkatesh, Assistant Executive Engineer
• Vijayakumar, Assistant Executive Engineer
• Sashikumar, Assistant Executive Engineer.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಆರ್.ಆರ್‌. ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ತುರ್ತು ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ: ಡಿ.ಸಿ ಬಿಲ್‌ ₹150 ಕೋಟಿ ಅಕ್ರಮ

KRIDL Bill without work: loss of ₹118 crore; Eight engineers suspended

 Rajarajeshwari Nagar Assembly Constituency: Lokayukta recommendation

KRIDL Bill without work: loss of ₹118 crore; Eight engineers suspended

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: On the recommendation of the Lokayukta, the government has suspended eight engineers who have incurred a loss of more than ₹118 crore by issuing fake bills without carrying out work in the Rajarajeshwari Nagar assembly constituency.

Lokayukta's preliminary investigation has revealed that the bill amount was released by the BBMP in the city to the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation (KRIDL) without doing the work entrusted to it. The case is serious and there is a suspicion that influencers and politicians are involved. Thus, the Lokayukta had recommended that the officials should be suspended as there is a possibility of destruction of evidence during the higher investigation.

All the possibilities of falsification of documents, influence of evidences in the case of non-superior investigation of all the works entrusted to KRIDL are felt. Besides, such a huge amount of misappropriation has been found from the inspection of 114 works, and there is a possibility that huge amount of illegal and misappropriation of money will be discovered from the inspection of more works. The accused in the case is Assistant Executive Engineer J.M. Chandranath has already retired and the urban development department has issued an order on June 6 suspending eight people except him.

As stated by MP D.K. Suresh in the complaint, 11 works were repeated in the list of 126 works. A work has not been entrusted to KRIDL. Correct job code is not entered for another work. For the remaining 113 works, there is a letter of agreement between BBMP and KRIDL. 114 works have not been performed as mentioned in the estimate list. More measurements are entered in measurement books. The inspectors had reported that substandard asphalt works were carried out, resulting in an additional payment of ₹118,25,79,797 to the government. It has enabled the authorities to pay bills and pay money even if the works are not performed. The report of the Lokayukta stated that poor level of work has been done is a serious matter.

 Don't hire KRIDL!

There have been serious lapses by the BBMP officials in the execution and supervision of the works entrusted to KRIDL by the BBMP. The Lokayukta has made four recommendations to prevent leakage of funds and avoid misappropriation of public funds.

 No infrastructural development work or other works to be implemented by BBMP should be entrusted to KRIDL.

A sample survey of 10% of the works entrusted to KRIDL by BBMP in two years should be carried out in the works which are under implementation and under implementation. For this, a special committee with experts should be formed under the chairmanship of a high level officer. Otherwise, the government should refer the Lokayukta to investigate all the works.

 Suspended 8 Engineers

•  * Doddaiah, Chief Engineer, TVCC Cell. (Present – Chief Engineer, West Zone)
•  * Satish Kumar K, Assistant Executive Engineer, TVCC Cell.
•  * Basavaraj N, Executive Engineer-in-Charge and Assistant Executive Engineer, Rajarajeshwarinagar Division (on loan from Karnataka Electricity Corporation)
•  * Siddaramaiah M, Assistant Engineer, Ward 129, 160, Rajarajeshwarinagar Sub-Division.
•  * N.G. Umesh, Assistant Engineer, (Office of Assistant Executive Engineer, Yeshwantpur Division).
•  * Srinivas, Executive Engineer, KRIDL, Ananda Rao Circle.
•  * Venkatalakshmi, Assistant Executive Engineer, TVCC Cell.
•  * Sritej, Assistant Executive Engineer, TVCC Cell (Present – Executive Engineer, TVCC).

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ರಾಜರಾಜೇಶ್ವರಿ ನಗರ ವಿಧಾನಸಭೆ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ: ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ ನಡೆಸದೆ ಬಿಲ್‌: ₹118 ಕೋಟಿ ನಷ್ಟ; ಎಂಟು ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರ್‌ಗಳು ಅಮಾನತು

Government land worth ₹500 crore granted to private

Land Tribunal order in hurry: Government barren land became cultivated land

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Despite the government documents and orders of 'Kharabu Bhoomi', the Land Tribunal has ordered to hand over 24 acres 37 guntas of land worth around ₹500 crore near Mysore road Pantarapalya to a private persons as 'cultivation land'.

Although the chairman of the Bangalore South Taluk Land Tribunal has given the opinion that 'as per the land revenue record, it is not allowed to be granted as it is classified as Kharabu', but with the dissenting opinion of four members, it has been decided to give it to the private individual with a majority. It was announced on February 27 before the assembly elections. With the new government, the tribunal has now been abolished.

 In 2016, the then Land Tribunal concluded that it was government Kharabu land and ordered the eviction of encroachments. Accordingly, the clearance was done. But now the Land Tribunal has issued a contrary order.

South Taluk Land Tribunal 2016 inquired about encroachment of 24 acres 37 gunte land in Survey No. 47 of Kengeri Hobali Pantarapalya village. According to the Land Revenue Rules 1966, the land is category B barren land and is of public interest and all rights are vested in the Government. Even in 1959, there is an entry in the survey record as Government Kharabu-Kallugutte. Reserve is also. Those who are cultivating and claiming the land as their own have not questioned this document.

 The site inspection of the committee confirmed that this area was a Kharabu area which was full of rubble. This land is not suitable for agriculture. The respondents do not have any right of possession over the land. Therefore, the Land Tribunal ordered the Tahsildar on June 29, 2016 that the government should take possession of the land. N. Nagaraja was then the Chairman of the Land Tribunal. K.M. Gopalakrishna, Vijayakumar, C. Narendrababu, Umadevi were members. After 57 years of legal battle, the encroachment was cleared under the command of the District Commissioner and taken over by the government.

Thereafter, the respondents filed an appeal before the High Court. On September 12, 2019, as per the order of the court, the land tribunal started the retrial. In the middle of this land, BBMP has constructed a road in an area of 3 acres and there is construction waste in an area of 2.08 acres. It was found from site inspection that 1 acre 20 gunta is of stone and rest of the land is under agriculture and dairy farming. Thus, cultivating the rest of the land except for the BBMP road and the rock area, which is suitable for cultivation- members of the Land Tribunal, M. Nagaraja, Umesh, C. Narasimhamurthy, V. Somashekhar opined.

 The Chairman of the Land Tribunal, who is also the Assistant Commissioner A.N. Raghunandan, on the contrary, has opined that 'as per the revenue records it is classified as Kharabu, so it is not allowed to sanction'.

 However, on February 27, 2023, the Land Tribunal, by a four-member majority, decided to grant usufruct to the 'petitioner who was cultivating' the land.

Violation of law: call for higher investigation: P.R. Ramesh

The district administration took possession of this land worth hundreds of crores in 2016. A private person went to the High Court. Instructing the maintenance of status quo, the Land Tribunal had ordered a hearing. In this case too, a private person has made money by putting up sheds. There was a discussion about this in the Legislative Council. Kagodu Thimmappa, the then Minister of Revenue Department, had promised that government Kharabu land would be acquired. However, later on, due to the audacity of political figures, it was a violation of the law to order the land to be given to private individuals. There should be a high-level investigation into this. Former member of Legislative Council P.R.Ramesh said that the government should take immediate action.

 Background of the case:

•  * A complaint to the District Collector, Tehsildar by lawyer K. Diwakar and local resident Ramanna that 'a private person has been misusing the government Kharabu land for commercial activities for 40 years'.
•  * Chikkahanumayya was the organizer of Pantarapalya village. He had 100 acres of land. The village was declared as Inam Village in 1959. Then all the jodidararu lost their place
• * Chikkahanumayya applied and got the land. In addition to that, 24 acres and 37 guntas of land were also allotted by the Special DC.
•  * Questioning this, the public had submitted a petition to the Mysore Revenue Appellate Authority
•  * The authority had ordered that the Special DC has no authority to sanction.
• * Chikkahanumayya had approached the High Court saying that the order was unfair.
•  * The High Court had directed to check whether this is a holding space and take action. Revenue department officials had reported that this is poor land.
•  * The petitioner, who questioned this in the High Court, had argued that 'we used to do agricultural activities in this place'. The court instructed to check whether it is agricultural land.
•  * Bengaluru South Taluku Land Tribunal ordered encroachment eviction in 2016
•  * Ananthaswamy of Chikkahanumayya family had presented the documents of other land and argued that it was sanctioned by the government. When the revenue department investigates this too, it is revealed that fake documents have been created. It was mentioned in the order that this is 'Kharabu Bhoomi'.
•  * Under the leadership of City DC V. Shankar, the operation was conducted on July 2, 2016 by then AC L.C. Nagaraj land was taken over by the government.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಚುನಾವಣೆಗೆ ಮುನ್ನವೇ ಆದೇಶ: ₹500 ಕೋಟಿ ಮೌಲ್ಯದ ಭೂಮಿ ಖಾಸಗಿ ಪಾಲು!

High Density Corridor: New name for old work...

High Density corridor: BBMP redo work on white topping roads which are under maintenance; Improvement of drains, footpaths

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: BBMP has proposed to spend ₹237 crore on roads which were developed under the White Topping, Tender Sure scheme. Drains, footpaths and asphalt in the name of 'High Density Corridor' on the roads where namma metro work is also going on.

The High Density Corridor tender has been approved in haste before the assembly elections. The main objective of the project is said to be – 'Improvement of drain, footpaths and asphalting'. However, there is a description of doing this work on the roads that are already developed, under maintenance, where our metro work is going on. There are also plans for flyovers and underpasses on these roads.

The state government had approved the development of 12 roads under the name of 'High Density Corridor' to ease traffic congestion and facilitate smooth traffic. However, while calling for tenders, three roads were dropped and 9 roads were finalised. Although ₹226 crore was the estimated amount, a higher amount was approved.

White topping has been done from K.R.Pura to Gorguntepalya ORR, In Mysore Road from Azadnagar to Ghadi Anjaneya Temple, In Hosur Road from Silk Board to Vellar Junction, Forum Mall Adugodi. Wherever white topping is done, one cross duct is laid on every 30 meters. Now the same work has been shown in the 'High Density Corridor' project. It is stated in the work description that the footpath flooring and drain sidewalls will be removed and rebuilt.

Most of the roads in these corridors are under construction to improve drainage and footpaths. These roads have been developed in many projects including white topping, in which drainage and footpaths have also been developed. They are in maintenance period. The same thing is being removed and the same thing is being done again. Work done in the past can be done by contractors who have maintenance responsibilities. But spending unnecessarily, BBMP engineers said.

BBMP Engineer in Chief Prahlad, who also holds the post of Chief Engineer of the Road Infrastructure Department, who is in charge of the High Density Corridor work, did not comment on this.

Work order in 27 days!

BBMP and the state government have completed the entire process from the tender announcement to the work order for the high density corridor within 27 days. Tenders were invited in three packages on March 1 and technical and financial evaluation was completed on March 20. BBMP also held negotiations with the bidders for the additional amount and submitted it to the state government for approval. On March 23, the government also approved the tender for additional amount. Later, BBMP also issued a mandate. There is a condition that the work should be completed in 11 months. But the work has not started yet.

 Delay for Ejipura flyover

Even though the tender has been called for the fourth time in three years, the work of the Ejipura flyover has stopped halfway, but the BBMP engineers have not sent it for the approval of the government. Transport Minister Ramalingareddy, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has given instructions to the Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath but to no avail. Engineer in Chief Prahlad says that the tender for Ejipura is still under scrutiny. However, they have completed all the processes in a hurry only for the High Density Corridor.

 Is it enough to name it?

High density corridors are imported from foreign countries. What it will be like, what kind of system should be, how should the road be, all should be understood and adopted comprehensively. This system enables uninterrupted traffic on roads with high traffic. However, it is unnecessary and meaningless to give the pretext of development in the name of 'high density' without providing infrastructure including one signal for 2 km, side by side parking. Digging drains, removing footpath stone and laying new stone again will do nothing. You can make a bill. Traffic expert Srihari opined that maintenance of roads is more important than new work.

Proposal in 2016!

In 2016, the government had announced the construction of 12 high density corridors in the city. KRIDL was planned to hand over the work costing more than a thousand crores. This was a plan for seamless traffic, state-of-the-art systems including cameras on the roads. However, the High Density Corridor project, which has been approved in haste, has been earmarked for Drains, footpath re-improvement and asphalting.

₹226 crore: Expenditure fixed by Govt

₹237 crore: Amount leased

11 months: Period for completion of work

 Package 1; ₹77.55 crore

•  Bellary Road to Chalukya Circle to Hebbal
•  From Outer Ring Road via Gorguntepalya Junction to K.R. Pura

 Package 2; ₹76.69 crore

• Old Madras Road Corridor – Trinity Circle, Halasuru Kere, OMR Benniganahalli, K.R. Pura, via NH-648 to Hoody, ITPL, K.R. From the railway station via Medihalli.
• Old Vimana Road Corridor – ASC Center to Kadugodi via Dommalur, Marathahalli, Kundalahalli, Varthur

 Package 3; ₹83.64 crore

• Hosur Road Corridor – Vellar Junction via Central Silk Board to Adugodi, Forum Mall – Madiwala
• Kanakapura Road Corridor – K.R. Road from Banashankari-Sarakki to Nice Road.
• Mysore Road Corridor – From Hudson Circle to Townhon, Nayandahalli, Gnanabharathi, Kengeri to Nice Road.
• Magadi Road Corridor – From Old Binnimill to Tollgate Junction, Jaimuni Rao Circle, Housing Board, Kamakshipalya, Srigandhakaval, Sunkadakatte, Anjananagar to Nice Road.
• Tumkur Road Corridor – Sangollirayanna Circle to Okalipuram, Dr.Rajkumar Road, Soap Factor Junction to Yesavantharapur, Gorguntepalya Junction

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಹೈ ಡೆನ್ಸಿಟಿ ಕಾರಿಡಾರ್‌: ಹಳೆ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿಗೆ ಹೊಸ ಹೆಸರು... ಚರಂಡಿ, ಫುಟ್‌ಪಾತ್‌ಗಳ ಮರು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ

'Public Plaza' under Sivananda Flyover

The first project in the city; A hi-tech destination for all age groups

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: A 'public plaza' will be constructed at the bottom of the city's Sivananda Steel flyover. It will also be an attractive place to provide high-tech facilities to the citizens in the middle of the road.

While the beautification works of the junctions are going on in the city, BBMP has decided to provide many facilities for the citizens under the flyover.

There is more space in the lower areas of flyovers, especially in the beginning and end areas, and a project has been started to enable it to be used by citizens. First of all, beautification work has started on the lower part of the flyover near Sivananda circle, and in the coming days, it is planned to make the facilities available at the lower part of most of the flyovers in the city. Access is free at the beginning and end, and grills are installed for safety in the rest of the area.

Facilities are being provided along with development and beautification of important public area and historic road, Tender Sure Road, White Topping Road. Under the State Government's Amrita Nagarothana Yojana, works are being carried out at a cost of ₹ 10.45 crore at four junctions, including the flyover, by the Planning Department of the BBMP.

Development and beautification work has been started at the flyover- Junction of Sivananda Circle with the aim of making the lower part of the flyover a good place with civic facilities. It is expected to become a favorite destination for pedestrians and the work will be completed in a few months," said Vinayak Suguru, Chief Engineer, Planning Department, BBMP.

 Trilite (Race Course) Junction, Anandrao Circle, BHEL Circle, Mysore Road junctions will also be developed in different ways, he said.

Kengal Hanumantaiah statue in BHEL circle

 A statue of former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthiah is planned to be installed at BHEL Circle on Mysore Road. A statue of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the builder of Vidhana Soudha, who represented the Bangalore Lok Sabha constituency three times, will be installed in this area and an information board is also proposed to be installed. Vijayanagar assembly constituency MLA M. Krishnappa has written a letter to the government, seeking permission to install the statue. Besides, replicas of Channapatna dolls will also be installed at this junction along with many other facilities. Krishnappa said that the work will be started in a few days.

 What are the facilities in Public Plaza?

•  Kiosk, Bench, rest area, drinking water, mobile charging station, reading space.
•  Vehicular traffic island without fence at junctions
•  Children's play area, planting ornamental plants and nurturing
•  Separate hi-tech toilet for sexual minorities including men and women
•  Attractiveness of floor lamps, street lamps, decorative lamps
•  Autorickshaw pickup zone, zebra crossing, pedestrian signal, ramp.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ..

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಶಿವಾನಂದ ಮೇಲ್ಸೇತುವೆ ಕೆಳಗೆ ‘ಪಬ್ಲಿಕ್‌ ಪ್ಲಾಜಾ’

BBMP Election for 243 wards only

 The Congress Committee will submit its report in a couple of days

• Let's worry about the election first, then division or bifercation
• Publish reservation to wards immediately
• Advice to take advantage of the pro-Congress wave

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Elections should be held in 243 wards only without re delimitation of BBMP wards. The 'BBMP Election Preparatory Committee' formed by KPCC is of the opinion that the reservation should be announced and the election process should be completed by the end of this year.

 'BJP's malice and political gain is seen in BBMP ward re-distribution. Therefore, it was discussed in the committee that instead of new wards, elections should be held for 198 wards as before. However, since the notification of 243 wards has been issued, the members expressed the opinion that it is not right to change it, sources said.

 Even if there is a discussion in the committee about dividing the BBMP into two or three parts, it is not possible at the moment. Let's hold an election, then we can divide it if needed. It is said that the members suggested that since there is a wave in favor of the Congress, they can hold elections immediately and get power.

After the unprecedented victory in the Assembly elections, KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar formed a 10-member 'BBMP Election Preparatory Committee' on May 24 under the chairmanship of Minister Ramalingareddy. He was instructed to report within 15 days.

Ramalingareddy said that he would submit the report to the KPCC president in a couple of days. Elections should be held for 243 wards. As their reservation has been canceled by the court, a fresh reservation should be announced. He said that the opinion expressed in the committee is that it is advisable to hold elections as soon as possible. QQ

 The government is ready for the BBMP elections. The necessary reservation should be issued and submitted to the Supreme Court. It has been advised that the election process should be started immediately,' he said.

Ministers Dinesh Gundurao, Krishnabairegowda, Bairati Suresh, MP D.K. Suresh, MLA N.A. Harris, Priyakrishna, A.S. Ponnanna, former MLC Ramesh Babu, former mayor Padmavati are members. Former Mayor P.R. Ramesh is the moderator of the Congress committee.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ: 243 ವಾರ್ಡ್‌ಗಳಿಗೇ ಚುನಾವಣೆ ನಡೆಸಬೇಕು– ಕೆಪಿಸಿಸಿ ರಚಿಸಿದ್ದ ಸಮಿತಿ

Road in Hoskerehalli lake: Engineers Megha, Shilpa suspended

Road in Hoskerehalli lake: Engineers Megha, Shilpa suspended

Bengaluru: In the case of construction of a road in the middle of Hoskerehalli Lake, Executive Engineer HS Megha of BBMP Solid Waste Management Department and Assistant Engineer Shilpa of Lake Department have been suspended.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had asked for information about the road construction in Hoskerehalli lake. Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath did not give correct information. DKS warned that the engineers responsible for constructing the road in the middle of the lake should be suspended by evening of Monday.

Road in middle of Hosakerehalli lake

According to the instructions of the Chief Commissioner, Ravindra, the Special Commissioner of the Projects Department, who conducted a site inspection in the Hoskerehalli Lake area on March 23, instructed the Chief Engineers of the Solid Waste Management Department and the Lake Department to provide information.

A 200 meter ramp has been built in the middle of the lake, which is more than the requirement for machinery to move. This causes damage to the environment. This has also been reported in the media. While doing this unnecessary work of the contractor, the Executive Engineer H.S. Megha and Assistant Engineer Shilpa failed to stop it, Chief Engineer of Solid Waste Management Department has reported. Therefore, the Special Commissioner of Projects has submitted a report to the Chief Commissioner on June 5 to take disciplinary action against two engineers.

It was found that Megha and Shilpa had shown irresponsible misbehavior in the construction of a bund in the middle of Hoskerehalli lake. Also, construction of a bund is illegal, even though it is not within the scope of work being carried out by the Solid Waste Management Department. The Chief Commissioner has reported that, both has committed dereliction of duty by not obtaining the no-objection letter from the Lake Conservation and Development Authority to carry out work in the lake yard.

According to this report, Urban Development Department has issued an order on Monday night suspending Megha and Shilpa who are on deputation in BBMP from Public Works Department.

ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ...

Census of trees not done in the 'Green City'

 Despite the millions of saplings planted in the Bengaluru every year, the temperature does not decrease

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bengaluru: Another Environment Day is being celebrated in 'Green City' Bengaluru. Hundreds of organisations including government departments are planting lakhs of saplings. However, even after the High Court notice, the census of trees and plants in the city has not yet started.

 Take a census of the trees in the capital Bengaluru, known as the city of gardens, the green city, and make it public- In 2019, the High Court directed the BBMP, to start the enumeration process in three months, but so far only poilet work has been done. The report has been prepared in Eight volumes and the BBMP currently has information on 46,593 trees.

BBMP in collaboration with the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST) has conducted a tree census at a cost of around ₹4 crore. However, it is not comprehensive. Even though the forest officials of BBMP are saying that they will carry out census work in many ways including new technology and app, nothing has been implemented for four years. In the census, there will be all the information about the species of trees, their use and their impact on the environment. Dattatreya T. Devare of Bangalore Environment Trust, who requested the High Court to order the census of trees, informed that this will facilitate the cultivation of saplings in nurseries.

Trees are being axed for development works. There is a law that saplings should be planted and nurtured instead. However, there are no examples of trees being cut down and saplings planted around them when massive works like our metro are done. Showing the record of plantation in outskirts of city or forest area. This is of no use. If a tree is cut for any work, saplings should be planted around it, on the side of the road and nurtured and turned into trees,' he said.

 20 lakh?: 

'Millions of saplings are planted in Bengaluru every year. Especially on the occasion of Environment Day, thousands of organisations including government departments, BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, BMRCL also plant saplings. However, the number of trees under BBMP is not more than 20 lakh. Therefore, the temperature of the city continues to rise," said IISc Prof. Ramachandra expressed concern.

 How much is left?: 

On the occasion of 'Environment Day' campaign in the name of ``Koti Vriksha'' and ``Laksha Sasi'', they get publicity that they have planted saplings. However, no one can see how many of those saplings are left next year. There are a lot of people who have propagated by planting saplings in the last five or six years. Although 50% of the saplings remain, the city should have at least 50 lakh trees by this time. In reality it is not. Environmental activist Ramprasad opined that it is not only about planting a sapling, but also about nurturing it and turning it into a tree.

Decision soon for Census: DCF

 The census of plants and trees under BBMP has been carried out in a 'pilot project'. However, the enumeration process has not been done completely. Sarina Sikkaligar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP Forest Division, said that talks have been held with many organisations including GKVK, and after getting permission from the government, the work of enumeration of plants and trees will be carried out.

'Appeal again to the High Court'

 Although the High Court has given an order in 2019, the tree census has not started till now. As per the Tree Preservation Act, census has to be done. However, BBMP officials are not paying attention to this. We have inquired many times. Some reasons are given. Even today the exact plan implementation process has not started. Therefore, we will appeal to the High Court again," said Dattatreya T. Devare of Bengaluru Environment Trust.

 2 trees per house as per Act

 According to the rules of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, there should be two trees per 222 sq m (2,389 sq ft) residential plot in urban areas. 892 square meters (9,600 square feet) of building-sites should have three, then four trees in area. Industrial and Institutional premises should have 25 trees per hectare.

 "Each person should have eight trees for the environment to be balanced. However, in Bengaluru with a population of 1.30 crore, there is one tree for every seven people. In Chandigarh and Gandhinagar there are four plants per person, in Nashik there are two plants per person,” said Indian Institute of Science Prof. T.V. Ramachandra said.

Details of census conducted by BBMP

 Report; number of trees

 1; 1991

 2; 5454

 3; 3333

 4; 6032

 5; 4176

 6; 8988

 7; 8007

 8; 8612

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