Bengaluru Govt to House Evicted Kogilu Families
The Karnataka government has said that families evicted from the Kogilu Layout area in north Bengaluru will be provided permanent housing after controversy over a recent demolition drive. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that eligible residents affected by the removal of unauthorised structures will get flats under a state housing scheme.
Eviction and Housing Plan
The eviction took place in December when authorities cleared makeshift shelters on land designated for solid waste management. Notices had been served to residents to vacate the site, but many did not move, leading to the demolition of around 167 structures. The government has now decided to rehabilitate eligible families by allotting flats in a multi-storey housing complex. Each unit has an estimated cost of ₹11.20 lakh, with subsidies and support from the state’s housing schemes to make them affordable for displaced families.
Government Response and Accountability
Siddaramaiah said the decision to provide housing was taken on humanitarian grounds, and that action will be taken against officials found responsible for allowing large-scale encroachment on government land. The rehabilitation process will begin once the list of eligible beneficiaries is verified.
Political Reactions
The eviction and subsequent housing announcement drew political attention, with leaders from other states criticising the demolition drive. Siddaramaiah rejected remarks suggesting bias, saying the action was aimed at clearing encroachments and that the government is focusing on humane rehabilitation for those affected.
