From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, May 7: The Siddaramaiah ministry has decided to temporarily suspend demolition of houses built on lake beds in Bengaluru till the Legislature Committee on 'Eviction of encroachments on lake bed areas' headed by K B Koliwad submits its report.

The State Cabinet’s decision on shelving the drive for demolition of all constructions on lake bed areas in the city follows strong public outrage against the drive.

The Koliwad panel is expected to submit its report to the State Government within 15 days.

The State Cabinet, which discussed the issue at its meeting held in Bengaluru on Thursday, reportedly witnessed stormy arguments over the issue leading to the decision on temporarily shelving the demolition drive.

"There will be no demolition of buildings in BDA layouts developed on lake beds till the House Committee submits its report. We will come out with appropriate measures to protect the interest of the people after going through the recommendations of the report," Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister T B Jayachandra said.

Briefing reporters on the State Cabinet decisions, Jayachandra said any action against f those, who have built homes in private layouts on lake beds, would be taken only after verifying the documents.

However, the demolition of commercial structures, big housing complexes built by private builders in these revenue layouts on lake beds would continue, the minister declared.

The State Cabinet also discussed about bringing legislation for protection of houses built on 'Dead Lakes.’

Jayachandra said the Supreme Court order on eviction of encroachments on lake beds has provided some leverage depending on the characteristics of the concerned lakes.

Depending on whether the concerned lakes still hold water or whether water from surrounding catchment areas still flow into them and other aspects, he said the lakes could be classified as 'Alive' or 'Dead'.

The K B Koliwad-headed House Committee is also looking into this aspect of bringing an amendment to Karnataka Lakes Development Authority Bill.

The future course of action on eviction of encroachments would be formulated after the House Committee submits its report, Jayachandra said.

He said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is committed to tread cautiously on the issue. The K B Koliwad panel has been asked to submit the House Committee report at the earliest.

"Koliwad has agreed to submit an interim report or final report within 15 days. The Committee is looking into all aspects of the issue," the minister explained.

2 Spl courts to punish the crooks:

Jayachandra assured stringent action against officials of various departments and big developers and builders who are responsible for selling sites on lake beds to innocent citizens.
Two Special Courts to try such cases would soon start functioning in Bengaluru. The chief justice of Karnataka has forwarded the list of judges for appointment to these courts.

Rehabilitation for the affected:

The cabinet also discussed about suitable rehabilitation measures for those who have lost their homes in the demolition drive. Suggestions to provide them with alternative sites and decent homes were floated. A comprehensive report would be prepared in this regard, Jayachandra said.