Facing intense political pressure, the Karnataka government has announced a comprehensive relief package for families whose unauthorised structures were demolished in Bengaluru's Kogilu area. The decision came after a review meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday.
Compensation and Rehabilitation Package Unveiled
The state government has declared that affected families will be eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh. Furthermore, they will be provided alternative housing under two key schemes: the state's Ashraya scheme and the Chief Minister's one lakh housing initiative. Siddaramaiah clarified that this aid would be extended only after a thorough verification process to confirm the eligibility of each family.
"I have instructed officials from the revenue department and the GBA to compile a list of individuals who neither own land nor houses. Suitable alternative arrangements will be made for them, and they will also qualify for monetary help," the Chief Minister stated.
Action Against Officials and Political Pressure
In a significant move, the CM also announced disciplinary proceedings against government officials who were in charge when the encroachments initially took place. He pointed the finger at local revenue officials for permitting the illegal constructions on government land in the Byatarayanapura assembly segment.
"To establish a strong precedent, we are initiating disciplinary action against the officials who were on duty when these encroachments started back in 2021. The tahsildar, shirestadar, and village accountants could not have been unaware of this activity," Siddaramaiah emphasized.
The Chief Minister openly acknowledged that political considerations played a role in the government's response. He mentioned that while the state does not support illegal construction, the intervention of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who criticized the demolitions, turned it into a political issue, necessitating a measured response. However, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar denied that the Congress high command or AICC general secretary KC Venugopal pressured them into announcing the rehabilitation measures.
Reason for Demolition and Future Warnings
Defending the demolition drive, Siddaramaiah explained that the action was taken after attempts to highlight the severe environmental and health hazards in the area. The vicinity, spanning around 15 acres, was being used as a landfill, and tests confirmed the presence of dangerous leachates contaminating the groundwater, creating what he described as "inhumane conditions."
According to official data presented by the leaders, a total of 167 sheds were cleared from the area after multiple prior notices were issued. Looking ahead, the Chief Minister issued a stern warning against any future attempts to grab government land.
"If any government property is encroached upon hereafter, the local officials will be held personally accountable. They will face strict disciplinary and administrative action," Siddaramaiah declared, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for future violations.
