Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders actions against 20 govt officials over encroachment

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday ordered action against 20 government officials for their involvement in encroachment of storm water drains in the city, officials said.

The officials against whom action has been ordered includes 13 in service and seven retired, the CMO said.

The criminal cases will be booked against all these officials and those in service will also face suspension, it said.

The officials are facing charges of cooperating with those involved in illegal constructions by the encroachment of storm water drains. They had even cleared blueprints for illegal constructions and had also issued 'khatas' to such properties.

As an encroachment clearance drive is underway in several parts of the city hit by inundation due to the encroachment of storm water drains, Siddaramaiah had yesterday said action will be taken "mercilessly" against the violators.

Admitting that mistakes have been committed by officials also, he had said action will be initiated against them after inquiry.

Recently, incessant rains had inundated streets, crippling normal life in several parts of the city. Overflowing lakes and drainage systems coupled with uprooted trees compounded the people's woes.

Low lying areas, particularly Kodichikkanahalli and Bilekahalli, where water entered houses, were worst affected.

Demolition drive at Avani Sringeri Nagar in Bommanahalli, Kasavanahalli in Mahadevapura and Shivanahalli in Yelahanka by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (city civic body) officials to clear encroachments on storm water drains has been underway since Saturday, amid resistance by property owners.