₹11.20 lakh homes for Kogilu Layout victims: Siddaramaiah assures immediate rehabilitation

After the Kogilu Layout eviction row, the Karnataka government promises permanent housing for eligible families at Baiyappanahalli, action against erring officials, and a January 1 deadline for rehabilitation.

The Karnataka government has announced a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for eligible families who lost their shelters during the recent eviction drive at Kogilu Layout in north Bengaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that those found eligible will be allotted permanent houses at Baiyappanahalli, with each unit constructed at an estimated cost of ₹11.20 lakh.

Addressing a press conference after chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister said the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, even though the structures removed were illegal. He clarified that the rehabilitation package is a one-time exception and will not set a precedent for future encroachments.

The controversy erupted after around 167 illegal sheds were demolished on December 20 at Kogilu Layout. According to the Chief Minister, these sheds had been built on government land meant for waste disposal. Despite being served notices informing them that the land belonged to the government and directing them to vacate, the occupants failed to do so, forcing authorities to clear the encroachment.

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Siddaramaiah said the land in question, spread over 15 acres, had been officially handed over by the district administration to the Solid waste management unit for garbage disposal. The site also houses a stone quarry and has remained under civic body control. Investigations revealed that people had been living there illegally since 2020–21.

Taking serious note of the lapse, the Chief Minister said action has been ordered against revenue and civic officials responsible for allowing the encroachment. “Such large-scale illegal occupation cannot happen without the knowledge of the tahsildar and revenue officials,” he said, warning that strict action will follow to prevent a recurrence.

Amid growing political and public concern, Siddaramaiah had deputed Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and his political secretary Naseer Ahmed to visit the site. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also inspected the area along with officials. The issue was later discussed in Delhi with senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, who was assured that affected families would be rehabilitated.

Temporary arrangements for food, shelter and accommodation were made at three locations on the Chief Minister’s instructions, but many residents refused to shift. Following consultations with D.K. Shivakumar, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and local MLA Krishna Byre Gowda, the government decided on permanent rehabilitation at Baiyappanahalli.

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Officials identified Survey No. 23 at Baiyappanahalli, about 7 km from Kogilu, where around 1,087 flats are available in multi-storey buildings. Once the list of eligible beneficiaries is verified and submitted within two days, houses will be allotted there.

Each house costs ₹11.20 lakh. Beneficiaries from general categories and SC/ST communities will receive subsidies from both the State and Central governments. In addition, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has been directed to provide ₹5 lakh per house. With subsidies, general category beneficiaries will receive ₹8.70 lakh, while SC/ST beneficiaries will get up to ₹9.50 lakh. The remaining amount will be offered as a loan, ₹2.5 lakh for general category and ₹1.70 lakh for SC/ST beneficiaries, which Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has agreed to facilitate.

The verification process will be completed within two days, and the Chief Minister has entrusted the Housing Minister with the responsibility of ensuring that eligible families are able to move into their new homes from January 1.

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Reiterating the government’s stand, Siddaramaiah said while illegal occupation of government land cannot be tolerated, the State has chosen to act with compassion. He underlined that Karnataka has already constructed one lakh houses for the poor and remains committed to providing shelter to the genuinely needy.

However, he issued a stern warning that this relief applies only to the Kogilu case. Any future illegal construction on government land will invite immediate eviction, and officials who fail to prevent encroachments will be held personally accountable.