Tension at Ejipura EWS quarters

BANGALORE: Tension prevailed during the issuance of biometric cards to people who were originally alloted houses by BBMP at Ejipura EWS quarters on Wednesday.The present tenants staged a protest worrying the new houses at the housing complex will be allotted only to the original allotees.In 2003, when a few blocks of the quarters collapsed, the BBMP had provided tin shed shelters to the residents.However, most of them moved out of the quarters and rented their houses to other people.After this, in January, an MoU was signed between the BBMP and Maverick Holdings and Investments Private Limited to construct a housing complex for members of the EWS.According to the agreement, Maverick would construct 1,512 houses at an estimated cost of `300 crore.Meanwhile, to prevent outsiders from occupying space in the complex, BBMP has asked the dwellers to vacate the sheds and has been giving biometric cards to the original allottees.It is said that more than 1,500 families have been residing there since 2007.“The BBMP authorities are issuing biometric cards to people who have already moved out.If they are given cards, we will be sent out,” rued Mary, one of the residents of Ejipiura slum.On the other hand, original allotees fear that the present tenants will occupy the new houses.Anil, one of the allotees, said he had paid `20,000 about 20 years ago and the plot was registered in his name.“After the mishap in 2003, we moved outside as I did not want to take risks.The BBMP authorities have intimated that they will issue biometric cards and I am here to receive it,” he said.BBMP authorities said more than 3,000 houses will be there and both original allotees and present tenants will be allotted houses.SPECIAL BBMP COUNCIL MEETINGMayor D Venkatesh Murthy said that a special council meeting will be convened to discuss issues concerning urban poor.”We have invited Housing Minister V Somanna to discuss the problems during our special council meeting on May 18,” he said.When asked about EWS quarters problem in Ejipura, he said it will also be discussed in the meeting.