The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently rejected nearly 2,000 building plan approval applications following an order mandating local planning authority approval for single plot or layout developments. This directive impacts property owners, particularly in zones like Bommanahalli and Mahadevapura, where over 60% lack necessary approvals. Engineers have urged the BBMP to reconsider the order, fearing it may hinder tax collection and complicate property transactions, especially for those with A-khata status.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has recently rejected nearly 2,000 applications for building plan approval, following a new directive that mandates local planning authorities to sanction single plots or layout development plans before any approval can be granted. Typically, the BBMP's town planning division processes around 1,000 applications each month, but the influx of rejected applications-some lingering since last month-has left many applicants scrambling to secure the required approvals.
In response, a group of registered engineers has urged the BBMP to reconsider the order for the public's benefit. According to the directive issued by BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, there are no restrictions on issuing building plan approvals for properties with a City Title Survey (CTS) number, properties transferred from municipal councils or gram panchayats and entered into the A-khata registry, plots approved by the Bangalore Development Authority, and plots that have already received building plan approval but require revisions.
Prasanna BC, a recognised engineer, stated that properties within the core BBMP areas-specifically the east, west, and south zones-are unlikely to be significantly impacted as most have no issues securing building plan approvals. However, he noted that over 60% of property owners in the Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura, RR Nagar, Dasarahalli, and Yelahanka zones will be adversely affected, as they will struggle to obtain approvals due to the recent order.
He explained that only 30-40% of layouts in these zones have received approval from relevant authorities, leaving 60-70% without the necessary permissions. Another engineer, Kiran DS, highlighted that even owners of smaller plots will require BDA approval, which they cannot obtain due to the stipulation that 10% of the property must be allocated for civic amenities.
Engineers have expressed concern that individuals, particularly those from poorer and middle-class backgrounds, may not cease construction despite lacking building plan approval from the BBMP. This situation could hinder the BBMP's ability to collect property taxes, as those who follow legal procedures might refrain from developing their land. The engineers suggested that the BBMP could rescind the order if the state government amends the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961. They plan to communicate the implications of the BBMP's decision to the government and advocate for more accessible building plan approvals.
Moreover, the engineers fear that the new order could lead to developments detrimental to property owners. Many in layouts without approved plans have previously acquired A-khata for their properties by paying betterment charges, but the lack of single plot or layout plan permissions could now jeopardise their approvals, reverting A-khata to B-khata status. An engineer further clarified that those who have secured A-khata in BBMP's outer areas can maintain it for as long as they own the property. However, they may encounter difficulties if they attempt to sell or transfer the khata, as the BBMP will identify the lack of layout approval upon application for transfer, leading to a reversion from A-khata to B-khata.
The BBMP's recent order has significant implications for property owners in Bengaluru, especially those in areas lacking approved layouts. As the push for regulatory compliance continues, the call for a review highlights the need for balanced policies that protect both the interests of landlords and tenants. Stakeholders must advocate for clearer guidelines to navigate the complexities of building approvals while ensuring fair taxation and property rights.
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