Probe into closing, encroachment of lakes in Bengaluru will be done: CM Bommai

Bommai said a special task force will be formed for drain works, including encroachment clearance, to happen in a time-bound manner

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced in the Karnataka Assembly on Monday that an inquiry commission would be constituted to look into encroachments of lakes and drains in Bengaluru even as the Congress slammed the BJP for damaging the city's brand.

"As a deterrent, I will definitely order an inquiry," Bommai said. "While encroachment clearance will continue, it will be known who gave licences," he said, riling the Congress.

Bommai, the Bengaluru City Development minister, said the commission will be headed by a judicial officer with two technical officers as members. The ambit of the commission will be to investigate encroachments of lakes, storm water drain (SWD) issues and buffer zones in BBMP limits. All illegal encroachments will be probed, he said.

Also Read | Karnataka rejects Kerala's rail proposal, latter says plan still under consideration

Bommai also said a special task force will be formed for drain works, including encroachment clearance, to happen in a time-bound manner.

The special task force will "ensure continuity" of works such as clearing drain bottlenecks and widening them to improve carrying capacity. Funds should be allocated annually in the budget to improve drain infrastructure, Bommai said, adding that he has given Rs 1,900 crore already this year.

"Governments had not prioritised these works till now," Bommai claimed. According to Bommai, the BBMP had identified 2,623 drain encroachments of which 428 were cleared by 2016. Between 2018 and now, 1,502 encroachments were removed and 602 are pending. "During Covid, some went to High Court and encroachment clearance was stayed. But, the clearance has resumed since the recent floods," he said.

The inclusion of 110 villages into Bengaluru disrupted the natural flow of water warranting new canals, Bommai said. "A new system to drain water is required in new layouts. A master plan involving BBMP, BDA and BMRDA is required for an end-to-end approach - from canals to the river. There are several reports on the subject and finishing works on this project may take four to five years," he said.

Bommai also announced Rs 600 crore for the BBMP - Rs 300 crore on drains and Rs 300 crore for roads.

The Congress attacked the Bommai government for not doing enough for the city. "Yours is the most irresponsible, corrupt government," Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah said. "You're giving funds now. What did you do when you were in power between 2008 and 2013? The city's situation today is because of your '40-50% commission' corruption," he said, accusing the BJP government of providing false information.

The Assembly was adjourned amid protest by the Congress.