Express News Service By

BENGALURU: As many as 244 roads in Bengaluru have encroached upon Storm Water Drains (SWD). Some of those roads might be closed, either partially or completely.

BBMP officials who are removing encroachments with the help of surveyors and local police have not spared houses, sites and even their own offices and properties. Speaking to Express, BBMP Chief Engineer for storm water drain, Siddegowda said they have identified 244 roads in BBMP limits that have encroached upon SWDs.

“In some cases, huge lengths of drains might be encroached. Surveyors will check and give us a report. We might retain the roads, allowing drains to pass beneath the roads,” he said.

BBMP Commissioner Manjunath Prasad said they are removing illegal structures that have encroached upon drains and are causing hindrance to the flow of water. “We have removed our own buildings and offices, why spare roads?,” he asked. However, he said if needed, they will close the roads.

A senior BBMP official, who did not want to be named, said most of the roads identified by them are at Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bommanahalli, Yelahanka, Bannerghatta Road and other newly added areas.

“We are not sure if the roads are in the core areas too. In case they have to be closed, we have to make alternative arrangements with the help of traffic police. Traffic diversions may have to be made. It is too early to comment,” he added.

The BBMP has sought the help of 27 surveyors from the Revenue department for survey and re-survey work to ensure the exact extent of encroachments. “We will demolish them only after they mark the locations,” he said.

The surveyors are conducting surveys at Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Varthur, Bengaluru North and Bengaluru East.