D K Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister for Karnataka, announced a new online system for approving building plans within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. This streamlined process is designed for construction projects on sites up to 4,000 square feet, making it easier and faster for builders and property owners to obtain necessary approvals.

During a press conference at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar introduced the 'Nambike Nakshe' scheme. This scheme allows property owners to obtain a provisional building plan approval from a recognised architect or engineer. Once the provisional approval is received, owners can upload it online for final approval by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The scheme applies to construction projects on sites up to 50 x 80 feet in area, simplifying the approval process and making it more efficient.

The sites developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) or the Karnataka Housing Board usually have maximum dimensions of 50 x 80 sq. ft. With this initiative, owners will be able to obtain a provisional certificate and commence construction at an efficient rate. According to the Deputy CM, the BBMP engineers will assess the construction during the later phases.

The initiative will increase efficiency in the approval process and was tested on a pilot basis in two zones of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and has now been expanded to cover the entire BBMP area. This means the scheme is now available citywide. In addition to this, he noted that 2,795 potholes have been identified in Bengaluru, and officials have been given a 15-day deadline to repair them.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced that the government will allocate INR 660 crore for the repair of major roads in Bengaluru. He shared his observations from a recent visit to Delhi, where he found that Bengaluru's roads were in better condition compared to smaller roads in Delhi. He emphasised that this wasn't meant as criticism, but rather a recognition of the reality. He also praised the efforts of BBMP officials for their successful work in preventing flooding in many areas of Bengaluru. Additionally, he mentioned that, according to National Green Tribunal (NGT) regulations, no construction is allowed within 50 metres of storm water drains, known as "raja kaluves," to protect these essential waterways.

He outlined the plans, highlighting that 300 kilometres of road have been identified and a 30 feet road is to be built along the storm water drains. The land owners along these areas - which consist of Hebbal, Nagavara, Bellandur, and Bengaluru South - will be compensated with TDR, and which they will be allowed to sell in the place of land. The first phase of the project will transform around 100 kms of road.

The roads will not be accessible to buses, but will be accessible to other vehicles, with INR 200 crore allocated for this project. The issue has also been discussed and approved in the Cabinet. Additionally, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi becoming the President of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Shivakumar highlighted the significance of this milestone, marking a century since Gandhi took on that leadership role. A city-wide cleanliness campaign will also be undertaken, with around 1,000 student volunteers pledging their support for the cause. The aim of the campaign is to increase social awareness about the impact of disposing waste by the roadside.

When asked about the protests by BBMP contractors demanding payment, the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged their concerns, stating that the government understands their difficulties. He mentioned that the outstanding payments have been reduced from 75% to 50%. However, some bills are still pending approval from the Commission. The government plans to assist the contractors within legal limits once the Commission provides its recommendations. He also warned that contractors should not try to pressure or "blackmail" the government, noting that if one contractor protests, another will be willing to take up the work.

In conclusion, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the 'Nambike Nakshe' online building approval system for sites up to 4,000 square feet, streamlining the process. He allocated INR 660 crore for road repairs in Bengaluru and emphasised flood prevention and a cleanliness campaign with student volunteers. Shivakumar also addressed contractor payment concerns, promising support within legal limits.