8 months ago
KSHRC Orders Shelter for Kogilu Layout Evictees
The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has told the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to give temporary homes, food, water, and medical help to families who were moved from their homes in Kogilu Layout.
The families were evicted on December 20 to reclaim 15 acres of land.
The KSHRC chairman, Sham Bhat, visited the site and talked to the affected families.
The commission said the state government broke rules about people's right to live with dignity and get help after being moved.
They are worried about the health of the evictees because it's very cold.
The chief minister promised to move the families to new houses by January 1, but the government is still deciding who can get these houses.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor supports the demolition, saying it was done legally and for environmental reasons.
The BJP claims that most of the demolished structures were built recently and alleges political motives behind the demolition.
KSHRC directed GBA to provide temporary housing, food, water, and medical facilities to evictees from Kogilu Layout.
The eviction drive on December 20 reclaimed 15 acres of land allotted to the solid waste management department.
KSHRC chairman Sham Bhat inspected the site and interacted with affected families on December 29.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor supports the demolition, citing legal process and environmental concerns.
BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath claims 95% of demolished structures were built in the last two years and alleges political motives.
- Who
- Families evicted from Kogilu Layout, Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC), Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath
- What
- KSHRC ordered temporary housing and facilities for evictees; political debate over demolition drive
- Where
- Yelahanka, North Bengaluru
- When
- Eviction on December 20, KSHRC order on December 29, order made public on December 30, protest planned for January 5
- Why
- To address violations of constitutional rights, provide relief to evictees, and clear illegal encroachments on government land
Government and Congress Supporters
BJP and Opposition
Legality of Demolition
Government and Congress Supporters
The demolition was carried out after following due process and ensuring alternative arrangements for affected residents.
BJP and Opposition
Nearly 95% of the demolished structures were built in the last two years, suggesting recent illegal construction.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
Government and Congress Supporters
The area had turned into a dumping yard with toxic waste, making it unfit for living and necessitating demolition.
BJP and Opposition
The demolition was politically motivated and aimed at vote-bank politics.
Rehabilitation of Evictees
Government and Congress Supporters
The government has taken steps to provide temporary accommodation and assured permanent housing within five to six months.
BJP and Opposition
The government has not provided adequate housing to disaster relief victims or those who lost homes built over storm water drains.
Key facts
- Location
- Yelahanka, North Bengaluru
- Date of Eviction
- December 20
- Number of Acres Reclaimed
- 15 acres
- Temperature Range
- 15°C to 18°C
- Promised Housing Scheme
- State government scheme
- KSHRC Chairman
- Sham Bhat
- Facilities Ordered
- Temporary housing, food, water, medical facilities, mobile toilets, mobile health centre
- Percentage of Recent Structures Demolished
- 95%
- Protest Date
- January 5
- Cost of Houses Demanded by BJP
- Rs 2.5 lakh
Quotes
Shashi Tharoor
Congress MP and Member of Parliament
“First, the land belongs to the government and people were residing there illegally. Second, the area had effectively turned into a dumping yard, with toxic waste contaminating the water. It was not a fit place for people to live.”
thehansindia.com
“There is no meaning in projecting this as a political controversy only on the grounds that the residents are economically weak. The government has a responsibility to ensure public safety and environmental protection.”
thehansindia.com
S.R. Vishwanath
BJP MLA from Karnataka
“I can also put up 100 sheds. Once they are demolished, the government will have to provide houses.”
thehansindia.com
“Whether it is Wasim or Vishwanath, whoever is involved must be arrested and jailed. Today, the Congress is protecting such people.”
thehansindia.com
