Metro work damages houses near Benniganahalli, property owners not compensated

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has faced criticism from residents near Silk Board Metro Station for damage caused to houses during construction activity.

Residents allege that BMRCL acquired land for the Metro project, but failed to provide adequate compensation or repair damaged houses. Many families still continue to live in partially damaged houses.

The Metro line construction, stretching from Byappanahalli to Silk Board, has affected several families. While some were fully demolished, others were partially damaged. Land owner Devaraju, a resident of Benniganahalli, whose house was partially demolished to make way for pillar construction, said that though he received partial compensation, the damaged portion remains unrepaired.

Devaraju, who has given land to BMRCL, alleges that a pillar has been constructed in front of the house and they cannot go inside the house due to dust, and all the pipelines connected to the house have been damaged. Several families are living in the same damaged house. In addition, he alleged that the compensation has not been given properly.

According to an elderly woman living in the house, she is still sick due to the noise, pollution and dust from the pillar construction in front of the house. The woman has accused the authorities of not listening to their problems and has demanded the Metro authorities to repair the damaged house. The residents alleged that the BMRCL is not showing any concern and felt that it should act responsibly in such cases.