The Bengaluru Coalition, a newly formed citizens' group, aims to address violations of building regulations and promote planned urban development in the city. Comprising resident welfare associations (RWAs), NGOs, and the Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), the coalition seeks to tackle issues like unauthorized constructions and improve enforcement of civic laws. Motivated by ongoing challenges and a recent building collapse in Babusapalya, it collaborates with the Karnataka High Court's ongoing efforts to curb violations. With support from over 50 RWAs and BAF, the coalition advocates systemic reforms, educates citizens on legal recourse, and pushes for accountability to ensure sustainable urban planning.
A group of concerned citizens in Bengaluru have established the Bengaluru Coalition to promote planned urban development. The coalition is dedicated to addressing the rampant violations of building regulations and intensifying efforts to prevent unauthorized constructions across the city.
This initiative unites diverse civil society organizations, including resident welfare associations (RWAs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), and active community members, fostering collaboration toward common objectives.
The coalition's creation is motivated by the city's ongoing challenges, including the widespread neglect of building regulations that has worsened Bengaluru's infrastructural problems. It also responds to a recent tragedy in Babusapalya, where the collapse of an illegal under-construction building claimed nine lives.
The effort arises alongside proceedings in a suo motu writ petition before the Karnataka High Court. Since mid-2022, the court has issued multiple interim orders to curb building violations and directed BBMP to develop an effective action plan. Despite these orders and various directives issued by civic authorities, enforcement on the ground has seen limited success.
Over 50 RWAs from different parts of Bengaluru have pledged their support to the coalition, formalizing their involvement through a memorandum of understanding. Additionally, the BAF, which represents nearly 1,400 apartment complexes, has also joined this collective effort.
The coalition aims to educate citizens about existing laws and complaint mechanisms, help individuals document and report violations and address procedural gaps with civic bodies while advocating for reforms through applicable laws. Apart from this, they also aim to actively engage with higher authorities to push for systemic reforms and enhance accountability.
In conclusion, the Bengaluru Coalition represents a significant step towards reclaiming the city's urban planning integrity. By uniting citizens, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups, it addresses the urgent need to enforce building regulations, document violations, and push for systemic reforms. The coalition's structured approach, combining grassroots campaigns, legal measures, and engagement with senior authorities, underscores its commitment to creating a more sustainable and accountable urban environment. As Bengaluru grapples with challenges from unplanned growth, initiatives like this exemplify the power of collective action in shaping the future of urban development and governance.
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