Indira Canteen in Banashankari temple runs into local protests

Muzrai Department has given land at two spots for construction of Indira Canteen at Banashankari. But members of the public opposed the construction, stating that a public consensus was not taken.

The State Government’s ambitious Indira Canteen project has hit a hard rock at Banashankari with the locals protesting against the construction of canteen on temple land. The Muzrai Department had sanctioned a spot in the Banashankari temple for the canteen.  When workers arrived at the spot to start construction, locals protested that consensus was not taken from them for the purpose, reported Kannada Prabha.

It is also alleged that the canteen construction has taken a political tinge, with perhaps the BJP opposing the implementation of the project.  However, Bengaluru Mayor G Padmavathi assured that all hurdles would be removed and canteens will be constructed as per plan, including at the Banashankari temple.

Around 173 spots have been identified for the construction of 200 canteens in 198 wards to provide snacks and food at subsidised rates.  Since BBMP land is not available at all places, BBMP requested various departments to cooperate and provide lands and all of them have agreed. Accordingly, City Administration has given 23 spots - BDA 5, BWSSB 5, BMRCL 4, Karnataka Housing Board 3, Health Department 3, Forest Department 3, Education Department 2, Muzrai Department 2 and KPTCL 2. HAL,  Agriculture Market, Slum Clearance Board, Mahabodhi Society, PWD, Agriculture Department, KSIDC and Animal Husbandry have each given one spot, for a total of 78 spots.

One of the spots given by Muzrai Department was the Banashankari temple. The locals protested that they were not informed of the sanction and suddenly workers arrived and started construction, which angered them. The Banashankari Temple ward former member and temple committee president A H Basavaraju said the spot was earmarked for development works of the temple.