Bengaluru: Bengaluru Urban district has declared the Ashraya Nagar slum in the RR Nagar assembly constituency as unfit for human habitation. This slum, home to approximately 3,500 people, has been labelled unsafe under Section 11 of the Karnataka Slum Development Act by Deputy Commissioner KA Dayananda, causing significant unrest among its residents.

Reason for Declaration

The decision, based on a spot inspection report, identified a high-tension wire from the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) passing over the 30-year-old slum, making it hazardous for living. “Residing here is dangerous,” stated Dayananda in the notice issued on August 11. The slum’s location near the high-tension wire raised safety concerns, leading to the declaration.

Under the Karnataka Slum Development Act, district authorities can declare a slum unfit for habitation based on factors such as proximity to high-tension wires, stormwater drains, or railway tracks. However, this declaration does not automatically permit the authorities to clear the area or demolish structures; a separate notification would be required for such actions.

Resident Reactions and Concerns

The announcement has sparked alarm among Ashraya Nagar’s residents, who fear potential relocation. The notice grants residents 15 days to raise objections. Many residents are concerned that they will be moved to a smaller area in Gowdanahalli, Yeshwanthpur, while Ashraya Nagar spans six acres. Fearing the loss of their homes, some residents have approached the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District for clarification.

Official Clarification

Deputy Commissioner Dayananda explained that the declaration under Section 11 was issued with the residents’ welfare in mind. “No alternate land can be allotted to the residents without declaring their existing slum under this section. The declaration has been issued for their benefit, but some are misinterpreting the rule,” he stated. He further clarified that without this declaration, the residents would not receive a parichaya patra (identity card), which is essential for securing alternate land.

Future Implications

While the declaration has raised concerns among the residents, it is intended as a step towards ensuring their safety and securing alternative, safer housing. The situation remains tense as the residents await further developments and potential relocation plans.