Thieves have field day in Kempegowda Layout

Site owners allege that thieves have been helping themselves to construction and utility material

At a time when civic works are progressing at a snail’s pace in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, the Bangalore Development Authority has another problem on its hands. Site owners alleged that thieves have been helping themselves to construction and utility material such as cables, pipes, valves, and even transformer frames. Allottees, who are frustrated by the slow pace of work, blame the BDA for failing to provide adequate security. 

Recently, contractors had erected electric poles and installed water utility pipes, but work was halted as the development authority has reportedly initiated third party validation for ongoing projects. In the absence of workers as well as security guards, thieves have a free run of the area. They have been helping themselves to feeder pillar boxes, connectors, electrical conduits fitting and water distribution pipes. 

Surya Kiran A.S., joint secretary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout Open – Forum said, “Civic amenities’ works are not progressing well. We have been waiting for years to get basic amenities. Meanwhile, the recent incidents of theft have become a cause for concern as projects may get further delayed and costs are likely to escalate. We demand that the BDA make sure that security guards are deployed to keep a check on these illegal activities.”

Site allottees have also alleged that some people have been transporting sand to other locations. “There are various instances of people transporting soil from the layout to other areas. There are huge trenches in some sites because of the illegal transport of soil. Many of the site owners are not aware of the problem as they do not visit it,” said one owner.

The BDA has allotted 23,000 sites in the layout, of which 10,000 are for the general public and 9,000 for farmers who had given up their land for the formation of the layout. Another 3,000 sites were allotted to those who could not get sites at Arkavathy Layout. But due to the lack of amenities, site owners are not in a position to build their houses.

When asked about theft, a senior official said, “The layout is spread over 4,000 acres of land and it is difficult to keep a vigil on these kinds of activities. We are not aware of the developments.”