In the last 42 years, Bangalore University has lost 227.45 acres of its land to land grabbers, mostly politicians and builders.
This large-scale encroachment came to the notice of the varsity authorities when an inspection was carried out by a committee led by University registrar Prof B.C. Mylarappa and four syndicate members on Thursday.
The university has decided to take legal recourse to recover the land. As a first step it has decided to make a comprehensive survey of university property.
The inspection was prompted by complaints by university officials and the public.
According to Prof Mylarappa, the State sanctioned 1,319 acres of land to the university in 1970. “But according to one estimation in the last 42 years, the university has lost around 227.45 acres of land in and around Mallattahalli, Nayandanahalli, Nagarabhavi, Nagadevanahalli, Chandra layout and other areas. We will soon hold surveys of all university land and claim the encroached land,” he said.
When the committee visited Kalagrama, they found a self-styled dalit leader, one Mr Murthy, has encroached on five acres of land. “He has developed a coconut plantation on this land,” said Prof Mylarappa.
University land near NGEF colony had an illegal building on it. Inside, the committee found whisky bottles, a bed and condoms. Committee member Prof K.V.Acharya said it was a clear example of the university land being misused. “We will not spare anyone,” he said.
The team also found an illegal sand lorry stand and a plant nursery doing business on university land.