Civic Chiefs Order Encroachment Clearances and Drain Desilting in HSR Layout, Arakere

Bengaluru GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao and Bangalore South City Corporation Commissioner KN Ramesh, accompanied by Bommanahalli MLA M Satish Reddy, conducted a spot inspection in HSR Layout and Arakere on Wednesday. The inspection focused on civic infrastructure failures, with the top officials directing civic authorities to step up action against encroachments and immediately tackle pressing drainage and road problems across the area.

During the drive, Rao instructed officials to take immediate action against commercial violations, ordering them to issue notices to shops operating illegally out of building basements designated exclusively for parking. Rao directed that all such basement businesses be shut down, while also ordering the immediate clearance of encroached footpaths across the inspection routes to restore space for pedestrians.

Addressing persistent issues with pedestrian infrastructure, the Chief Commissioner ordered strict action against utility contractors who had dug up pavements to lay cables and left the footpaths damaged without carrying out proper restoration work.

To address rainwater management and prevent localized flooding, Rao instructed civic staff to carry out comprehensive desilting of stormwater drains in the area. Officials were told to deploy robotic machinery and suction pumps to remove silt and debris, ensuring an unobstructed and smoother flow of runoff toward Bellandur Lake.

In Arakere, the inspection team focused on the protection and upkeep of public properties. Officials were directed to conduct an immediate survey of civic amenity sites and parks valued at Rs 200 crore. Rao mandated that all illegal encroachments on these land parcels be cleared and that protective fencing be installed around the properties to prevent future squatting.

Civic authorities in Arakere were further instructed to improve the general maintenance of existing public parks and carry out necessary repair work at the local stadium. The visiting delegation also instructed officials to ensure that contractors responsible for digging or damaging roads in the area restore them properly.