Demolition row: Karnataka announces Rs 5L relief, housing for Kogilu displaced; CM Siddaramaiah cites officials to face action

BENGALURU: Amid a political row over a demolition drive in Bengaluru, the Karnataka govt on Monday announced compensation and alternative housing for families affected by the removal of unauthorised structures in Kogilu under the Byatarayanapura assembly segment.

Facing criticism from Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and pressure from within the party, CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM D K Shivakumar held a review meeting with officials and announced relief measures. These will include compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh, and housing under the Ashraya scheme and the CM’s one lakh housing scheme. The assistance would be provided to eligible families after verification of their antecedents.


“I have asked officials of the revenue department and the GBA to prepare a list of people who do not own land or houses so that alternative arrangements can be made. They will also be eligible for financial assistance,” Siddaramaiah said.

The CM also announced disciplinary action against officials for allowing the encroachments. “To set a precedent, we will initiate disciplinary action against officials who were on duty when these encroachments began in 2021. These encroachments could not have happened without the knowledge of the tahsildar, shirestadar and village accountants,” he added.

Siddaramaiah said the demolitions were carried out after efforts to explain the “inhumane conditions” prevailing in the vicinity, where around 15 acres are being used as alandfill and leachates or contaminated liquids were found in the groundwater.

Strict action on future land grabs: CM

Acording to the data provided by chief minister and deputy chief minister, 167 sheds were cleared in the area after issuing multiple notices.
The CM warned that strict action will be taken against any future encroachments. “If govt property is encroached upon, local officials will be personally held responsible and face disciplinary and administrative action,” he added.

Siddaramaiah acknowledged that political considerations had influenced the govt’s decision. “While the state govt does not intend to encourage such illegal constructions on govt land, the Kerala chief minister turned this into a political issue. So we had to act,” he said.
However, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar denied that the rehabilitation measures for the affected families were announced under pressure from Congress high command or AICC general secretary KC Venugopal.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy New Year wishes, messages, and quotes !