Upalokayukta Justice B. Veerappa. | Photo credit: File Photo
Uplokayukta Judge B. Veerappa ordered the authorities to remove illegal constructions and encroachments by resorts and families in families along the Cauvery river at Srirangapatna in Mandya district not far from here.
Upalokayukta, who recently reviewed the compliance reports submitted by various officials regarding resorts and families in eco-sensitive zones, expressed displeasure with revenue officials in Pandavapura and Srirangapatna for failing to fulfill their duty to protect public property.
Regarding the River Ranch resort in Srirangapatna, the Upalokayukta took cognizance of the owner’s renewed encroachment despite an earlier eviction carried out on the orders of the High Court.
While officials said that a criminal case has been registered against the department management, the Upalokayukta found fault with the Deputy Commissioner and Tahsildar concerned for not taking legal action to relax the stay orders in this regard.
As far as Chandravan Ashram is concerned, the authority has taken the officials seriously for not conducting surveys in certain number of surveys pertaining to the property.
Officials assured Upalokayukta that they would not only complete surveys and report any violations, but also said they would initiate eviction and demolition proceedings against encroachments on the buffer zone of the Bangaradoddi canal and the Cauvery river in Srirangapatna taluk.
Regarding Homestay Atmaveda and Indraniladatta Pragnya, which are located in environmentally sensitive zones, the Upalokayukta appreciated the orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner to cancel the licenses of homestays after an inspection by the District Tourism Development Committee found numerous violations of government guidelines and other operating norms for homestays.
However, Upalokayukta emphasized that the cancellation of licenses should not remain only on paper but should be implemented in its true spirit. The Deputy Commissioner and Tahsildar of the office submitted that they would issue necessary orders to close both the families in the family.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
The authority also took note of the officials’ inadequate efforts to identify commercial establishments operating near the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a protected habitat known worldwide for its migratory bird populations.
Officials have assured Upalokayukta to identify and remove commercial establishments including shops, hotels, resorts, lodges and homestays operating in the ecologically sensitive zone within one month in accordance with central government guidelines.
Published – 11 Feb 2026 20:41 IST