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The total size of encroached land in the Bengaluru metropolitan area has reached a staggering 16,478 acres, according to data presented at the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. The data shows that the total area of the revenue department land encroached in the state is 2.82 lakh (2,82,130) acres.
According to sources, the proceeds of the encroached lands in Bengaluru are worth thousands of crores. “Encroached land in prime areas within the city has a high indicative value and will cost more as compared to those in the suburbs. The cost of land along the metro line is also higher. At an average cost of Rs 3 to 4 crore per acre, the value can exceed The total of these lands is Rs 48,000-64,000 crore,” claiming that large pockets are being encroached upon by the relationship between politicians and construction.
Of the 31 districts in the state, Kolar – which borders Bengaluru – reported the highest trespass at 88,310 acres which is a third of the total. No land has been encroached in Kopal and Raichur districts as per the data.
According to Revenue Minister Krishna Pir Jodha, though the total area of lands identified as encroached was large, it is expected to decrease since some of these lands were under cultivation and these lands will be removed from the list. He pointed out that the reason for this is that a decision was taken during the era of the previous government not to consider these lands violated.
Gowda said that transgressions cannot flourish “without the help of officials. There are many ways to stop such transgressions. When laws are not properly enforced, this is what happens.”
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently reintroduced the leadership to remove encroachments – mainly along storm drains – to prevent instances of flooding during heavy rains in the city. However, the leadership’s slow progress has been criticized. Pending court petitions, filed by alleged trespassers, are also hampering the process.
Besides the encroachment of revenue lands, more than 2 acres of forest land have been encroached in the state.
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