<p>The BBMP has so far cleared 1,930 of the 2,626 encroachments that were identified on stormwater drains (SWD) across the city.</p>.<p>Speaking to reporters, BBMP Special Commissioner (Administration) Rangappa S said the civic body is now actively working to remove the remaining encroachments.</p>.<p>“Of the 696 encroachments that have to be removed, 52 encroachers have filed an appeal in the high court. These cannot be removed until the cases are closed,” he said.</p>.<p>Acknowledging that there is a shortage of surveyors, Rangappa said they have requested the survey settlement commission to depute surveyors to mark the SWD boundaries.</p>.<p>“We have requested for surveyors. Once they measure the area and mark off the boundaries, we can go ahead with the evictions,” he said.</p>.<p>Apart from the removal of encroachments, the BBMP has also decided to hire desilting agencies at the division level to speed up the process.</p>.<p>“So far, we had only one contractor responsible for desilting the SWD network across the city. Now, we plan to hire contractors at the divisional level,” Rangappa said.</p>
<p>The BBMP has so far cleared 1,930 of the 2,626 encroachments that were identified on stormwater drains (SWD) across the city.</p>.<p>Speaking to reporters, BBMP Special Commissioner (Administration) Rangappa S said the civic body is now actively working to remove the remaining encroachments.</p>.<p>“Of the 696 encroachments that have to be removed, 52 encroachers have filed an appeal in the high court. These cannot be removed until the cases are closed,” he said.</p>.<p>Acknowledging that there is a shortage of surveyors, Rangappa said they have requested the survey settlement commission to depute surveyors to mark the SWD boundaries.</p>.<p>“We have requested for surveyors. Once they measure the area and mark off the boundaries, we can go ahead with the evictions,” he said.</p>.<p>Apart from the removal of encroachments, the BBMP has also decided to hire desilting agencies at the division level to speed up the process.</p>.<p>“So far, we had only one contractor responsible for desilting the SWD network across the city. Now, we plan to hire contractors at the divisional level,” Rangappa said.</p>