Karnataka HC orders formation of panel for constant monitoring of storm water drains in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 8: The Karnataka High Court has directed the constitution of a committee that would constantly monitor the storm water drains (SWDs) in Bengaluru particularly during the rainy season.
It said the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) should conduct a detailed hydrological survey and if necessary, acquire land for formation of new SWDs.
The order of a single judge bench of the HC came on a batch of three petitions filed by Avenue Supermarts Ltd which owns the D Mart brand of stores.
The company had challenged three notices issued to it by the BBMP alleging encroachment of SWD on a plot in Ammani Byrathi Khane
Village, KR Puram, Bengaluru where it was undertaking a construction.
The HC quashed the notices after it found that the BBMP did not have any documents to sustain its claim that 9 'guntas' out of the said land was Rajakaluve' (SWD).
The BBMP counsel tried to convince the court that it was in fact Haddigidada Halla' (water course). But, the HC pointed out that even if it was Haddigidada Halla' which was classified as Kharab' land earmarked for public use, it should have been marked as B Kharab' land in records but it was not so.
According to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, any piece of open land which cannot be used for farming or cultivation when the land survey was conducted is classified as Kharab land.
Moreover, prior to the plan sanction given to the company for construction, an inspection was carried out by the Chief Engineer of the SWD department of the BBMP which said there was no Rajakaluve' or Water Feed Canal' on the property.
In its judgement on November 23, the bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj said, "It is for the BBMP to conduct a detailed hydrological survey and survey of all storm water drains in and around the area to ascertain the cause of blockage of water and not to seek to contend that the petitioner has blocked the drain in his property when the records do not indicate the existence of any such drain."
Considering the perennial nature of the problem, the court said, "It would be required that a proper monitoring system of the drains constructed by the BBMP is maintained. The details of the drains are uploaded on the website of the BBMP with maintenance details being uploaded from time to time including the amount of silt accumulated and/or removal of silt from such drains."
Therefore, the HC suggested the formation of a committee for monitoring of SWDs in Bengaluru.
"The Chief Commissioner of the BBMP along with other stakeholders like the Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department, Principal Secretary, Gram Panchayat are directed to look into the matter. The Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka is directed to constitute a committee comprising the above officers and such other officers as he deems fit to have a constant monitoring of the storm water drains more particularly in the rainy season in Bangalore," it said.
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Indian Defence forces committed to adapting to changing environment: CDS General Chauhan
Hyderabad (PTI): Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course held at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan said India's strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
He said the intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues.
"You (new officers) also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape. An era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness, 24-7, 365 days. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindhur continues," he said.
He further said the newly trained officers are entering the Indian Air Force during a phase of deep transformation of the Indian Armed Forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India's military strength, he said.
"Your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that's victory. 'J' stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. 'A' stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, 'I' for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve," he explained.
General Chauhan further said battles in the older domains will always remain contested, often brutal. But in the new domains, they will be smart, swift, and shaped by intellect, innovation, and initiative. The force that masters new frontiers is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
