WHAT NEXT?: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Minister for Health R. Ashok inspecting Puttenahalli Lake in Bangalore on Sunday. — Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

Bangalore: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday warned that criminal cases will be filed against land grabbers. He was addressing presspersons during inspection of development works taken up by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) at a cost of Rs. 12 crores at Puttenahalli here.

The development works were taken up after last year's heavy rain flooded the Puttenahalli Lake and surrounding areas.

"There is no need for fear among people who have constructed houses on revenue land. All the illegal constructions will be regularised. However, the authorities concerned will impose the requisite fine," he said. The Chief Minister said a few politicians are misguiding local body officials, thereby giving way for illegal activities. "The Government will take steps to put a stop to such activities," he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy met with the residents of the area and received complaints from them. Most of them urged him to bring the area under the purview of the corporation and direct officials concerned to provide basic amenities to them.

He directed the officials concerned to clean the Puttenahalli Lake.

Park inaugurated

After inaugurating the JP Bio Diversity Park developed by Bangalore Mahanagara Palike at Jalahalli, he said instances of land sharks reclaiming tank beds and canals and selling them as residential sites were on the rise.

Citing the example of Puttenahalli, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, "We politicians are not permanent. However, officials who run the government machinery should work with conscience and improve the city." He promised all assistance and protection to officials acting tough against the land mafia.

Sites for the poor

Pointing out that it has been the dream of every Bangalorean to have a residential site in the city, Mr. Kumaraswamy said many could not afford to have a site due to high costs. The Government is thinking of offering smaller dimension sites (20' X 30') at reduced prices through the BDA. At the same time, prices of larger dimension sites will be increased, he said.

The Chief Minister further said the Government was committed to creating basic infrastructure in the city. It will also attract investments from outside while improving the quality of life, he said.

Parks in districts

Meanwhile, the Government is in the process of directing district administrations to reserve land — ranging from 50 acres to 100 acres — in district headquarters to develop parks.

The Chief Minister said the measure is being taken to prevent district headquarters becoming concrete jungles. These parks will sustain environment balance in the city, he added.

Minister for Health R. Ashok released "Hasiru Bengaluru" brought out by Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP). Mayor Mumtaz Begum was present.

Officials of the BDA, the BMP and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board accompanied the Chief Minister.

Later, members of the Kothanur Residents Development Association felicitated the Chief Minister.

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