"Clear rajakaluve encroachment mercilessly; Rs 5 lakh compensation to family of drowned children: Karnataka DyCM Shivakumar

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 24 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced a slew of measures for flood relief in Bengaluru including strict clearing of Rajakaluve encroachments.
While talking to the media, Shivakumar said, "A compensation of Rs five lakh to the family of two children who drowned in Kengeri Lake would be provided from the BBMP. Rs 10,000 compensation has been announced for owners of homes that are flooded. Temporary housing and food arrangements will be made for displaced people."
"We have instructed the officials to clear Rajakaluve encroachments across the city without any mercy. We have also started desilting of drainages for smooth flow of water with a loan of Rs 1,000 crore from the World Bank," he added.
Shivakumar on Wednesday paid a visit to Kendriya Vihar apartments in Yelahanka, Mariyannapalya in Horamavu along with officials of the BBMP. He had a discussion with the Apartment Owners' Association on the situation. He also held discussions with SDRF and NDRF personnel involved in flood relief works in these areas.
Speaking to the media during his visit, he said, "Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda is working on desilting of drainages in the city. We have also taken up the desilting of many lakes under various schemes. We will shortly call for a meeting of the Lake Management Committee."
The Karnataka Deputy CM also claimed that private individuals have got a stay from the court to prevent action against encroachment of rajakaluve and they are not letting BBMP take action.
"Emergencies allow us to clear encroachments. I have ordered the DC, BBMP, and BDA to ensure all Rajakaluve encroachments are cleared without any delay. At times like these, our priority is to save the lives of citizens and we will not let court cases come in the way," Shivakumar said.
"The BBMP has taken control of the 600 residential units in Kendriya Vihar apartment complex in Yelahanka. About 95 per cent of the residents have agreed to move out temporarily but about 20 families are not agreeing to vacate. Given that there is no power, water and food for them there, we can't allow them to stay there. We have told the BBMP officials to arrange temporary accommodation nearby until these issues are sorted out," he added. (ANI)