‘Will clear encroachments, compensate for clearance'
Speaking to reporters after inspecting storm water drains at Manyata Tech park, he said, 'Officials have been instructed to clear all buildings which obstruct smooth flow of rain water in the city. Action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act.'
'The CM and I have already visited the rain affected areas. This is an important junction and any issues here result in problems in other areas. Some people have brought stay from the court to stop encroachments and our officials are also not cooperating. Hence, we have asked officials to clear encroachments under the Disaster Management Act,' he said. 'We are not keen to take away anyone's property and give them trouble. I am visiting the problem spots myself to verify. Everyone has agreed to allow the works to continue. But it is important to find a permanent solution.
Power to Commissioner
'We don't want to demolish any random building but it is important to ensure that rain water flows smoothly without causing flood. We can't allow Bengaluru's reputation to go do down the drain. We will compensate the building owners if there are technical issues, but we want the issues to be sorted out. We have given complete authority to the Commissioner and the Secretary to take necessary action in this regard. Asked about confusion about maps, he said, 'Irrespective of the issues with the map, rain water must flow.' Asked about BJP's demand to reduce cess on garbage, he said, 'We will make them realise the decision taken during their period. Will check their proposal and have a discussion with them.' Replying to a question on his letter to Chief Secretary regarding transfer of engineers in Irrigation Department, he said, 'There are not many engineers in Irrigation department but we need resources immediately. Hence, I have written to the Chief Secretary not to transfer any of engineers to other departments. Many of them come to our department, get promotion and seek transfers to other departments.' Asked if any transfers have happened without his knowledge, he said, 'There is a provision to do so at a senior level. Many MLAs put pressure on us to deploy engineers of their choice in their jurisdiction. Hence, engineers are not coming forward to work in Irrigation departments. This was the reason behind the letter.'
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