Bengaluru Evictions: Karnataka Sets 10 AM Deadline For Kogilu Residents, Offers Housing In Baiyyappanahalli
A 10 am deadline has been set for families still staying at Kogilu Layout, north Bengaluru, as the state government moves forward with evictions on Tuesday following the demolition of illegal structures.
Despite repeated warnings from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that the houses and sheds in Kogilu were illegal encroachments on government land, several families have refused to leave.
Officials from the civic authorities have asked residents to clear the area by the deadline. The order applies to those evicted from Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout in Kogilu, near Yelahanka.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to speak on the ongoing encroachment and demolition issue in Kogilu Layout, as authorities move ahead with eviction efforts on Tuesday.
Demolitions were carried out on December 20, when illegal structures were razed on government ‘gomala’ land meant for solid waste management. However, many families continue to stay at the site, spending the past ten days beside the debris of their demolished homes. Evictees say they will not move unless they are provided alternative accommodation.
The State Women’s Commission will visit Kogilu Layout at 11.30 am amid concerns over pregnant women affected by the demolitions. Chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Chaudhary is expected to meet women staying at the site.
DKS on Venugopal’s involvement
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also clarified the role of senior Congress leader KC Venugopal amid questions over political involvement in the Kogilu eviction issue. Shivakumar said Venugopal was a party leader and had every right to advise them.
“He is our leader. He is our general secretary. It is a national party and they have guided us in many ways,” he said. However, he made it clear that party leaders were not involved in the administration of the matter.
Govt offers Baiyyappanahalli housing to Kogilu evictees
The Karnataka government has said it will offer alternate housing on humanitarian grounds to those with genuine land documents, subject to verification. An option of flats in a government-built multi-storey complex in Baiyyappanahalli has also been offered, with conditions on allotment.
Shivakumar also spoke about the government’s efforts to provide relief to families affected by the demolitions in Kogilu. He said the state had offered food, temporary shelter and other basic facilities, but many of the evicted families refused to move to those locations.
He said he had spoken to Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan to arrange temporary housing. According to Shivakumar, a total of 1,187 houses are available in a government-built multi-storey housing project in Baiyyappanahalli, around seven kilometres from Kogilu.
After proper verification, families found to be genuine and who have lost their homes will be accommodated there. The houses have been built on Survey No. 20 and will be allotted across all categories, including General, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Each house costs Rs 11.20 lakh and will not be given free. The BBMP will provide a Rs 5 lakh subsidy for all beneficiaries. In the General category, beneficiaries will receive subsidies worth Rs 8.70 lakh and will need to pay Rs 3 lakh. SC and ST beneficiaries will get a Rs 9.5 lakh subsidy and will need to pay Rs 2.5 lakh.
