“No Space for Land Grabbers”: DCM DK Shivakumar inspects Kogilu Layout demolition site

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited the Kogilu Layout demolition site, met displaced residents and defended the eviction, stating the land belongs to the government’s solid waste management project.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday visited the demolition site at Kogilu Layout, where an encroachment clearance drive had left several families displaced. The DCM was accompanied by Karigowda, CEO of the Solid Waste Management division, as he inspected the cleared area and nearby temporary sheds.

During the visit, DK Shivakumar closely examined the demolition site and interacted with residents who have lost their homes. Several affected families appealed to the DCM, urging the government to provide them with housing. He also visited the shed structures erected nearby and reviewed the ground situation firsthand.

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Explaining the background of the land, the Deputy Chief Minister said the area earlier functioned as a quarry and was later allotted by the government around nine to ten years ago for solid waste management purposes. He alleged that overnight, some individuals illegally constructed sheds on the land without any authorisation.

DK Shivakumar made it clear that no voter ID cards were issued for government land and said even local MLAs had brought the issue of encroachment to the authorities’ attention. He pointed out that houses were built directly over a garbage dump, calling it a serious violation.

He alleged that certain people had collected money and facilitated illegal construction, adding that there is a strong perception about who took money. “We will take action against those involved in collecting money and enabling illegal structures,” he said.

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The DCM also accused some groups of trying to politicise the issue. He claimed that attempts were being made to gain sympathy by projecting the matter as one concerning minorities and alleged that the Kerala government was unnecessarily politicising the issue. “Here, people are supporting our action,” he asserted.

Stressing the need to protect Bengaluru’s cleanliness and environment, DK Shivakumar said the city cannot allow anyone to occupy land meant for solid waste management. He added that the civic corporation had fenced the land to protect it from further encroachment and reiterated that land grabbers would not be given any opportunity.

He also revealed that the Chief Minister has called a meeting on the issue and said he personally visited the site to understand the situation before any further decisions are taken.

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