Karnataka cracks down on Prestige Group's illegal encroachment
Synopsis
Karnataka Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa, on Monday, said that government land in Devanahalli - which was allegedly encroached upon by the Prestige Group - would be cleared by the authorities.
Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa was answering a query raised by Pilla Muniswamappa, Legislator of Devanahalli, during the question hour in the Karnataka Assembly.
The legislator said that the Prestige Group had encroached lands designated as 'B Kharab' in Kundani hobli, Kottige Timmanahalli, Sonnenahalli, Karalli, Amanikere and Thialagere villages in Devanahalli. The total extent comes close to 5.10 acres of land.
'Kharab' land is such land where cultivation is not possible and the ground barren and rock-laden. 'Kharab' land is said to belong to the Government and at any time authorities can take over 'Kharab' property for public usage.
'Kharab' land which is categorised as 'B' belongs to the government and can neither be converted nor conveyed.
The legislator added that every acre of the land under question would fetch anywhere between ₹10 to 15 Crore in the market currently. Muniswamappa alleged that some builders have also encroached on this kind of government land and authorities should immediately evict them.
In reply to this, Kagodu Thimmappa said a notice had been served to the Prestige Group by the Tahsildar of Devanahalli on 5 May 2011, but they have not evicted from the encroached areas. Authorities have taken note of this, and the invaded areas would be restored to their earlier position in a week’s time, he assured.
News of land encroachment by the Prestige Group had created a flutter some time ago, but as things stand no concrete action has been taken against them.