Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has flagged over 1,500 buildings constructed in violation of approved plans following a survey started on October 28. Notices are being issued to property owners to demolish these unauthorized structures. BBMP officials clarified that adhering to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act could take 3 to 4 months to complete the demolition process. The civic body follows a step-by-step procedure, with owners being given time to comply. Senior officials highlighted the need for a mahazar in the owner's presence before demolition, though BBMP can act quickly in dangerous situations. Unauthorized schools, hospitals, and residences make up most of the identified buildings.
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the governing body of Bengaluru, has identified over 1,500 buildings across the city that have been constructed in violation of approved building plans. This discovery was made following a detailed survey launched by the BBMP on October 28, with the aim of addressing the rising concerns about unauthorized constructions that have sprung up across Bengaluru. In response to the violations, the BBMP has started issuing notices to property owners, instructing them to demolish the illegal structures, ensuring that the city's urban planning regulations are upheld.
According to BBMP officials, the process of taking action against these illegal buildings must follow the provisions set out in the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act. Due to the detailed and methodical procedure required for such actions, it is expected to take a minimum of three to four months to complete the demolition process. This includes all necessary legal procedures and notifications to property owners.
BBMP Chief Commissioner, Tushar Giri Nath, confirmed that it could take this time frame of 3 to 4 months before demolitions can occur after the illegal buildings have been flagged. He elaborated on the procedural steps that BBMP must take, which begin with issuing a notice to the property owner as soon as a violation of the approved plan is identified. The notice would demand that the property owner demolish the illegal construction within 15 days. If the property owner fails to comply within the stipulated time frame, a second notice will be issued, giving an additional 30 days for demolition.
If the owner challenges the notice, claiming that the construction aligns with the sanctioned building plan, BBMP is required to verify the claim within 60 days. This verification process allows for a thorough review of the facts and evidence provided by the owner. Given this, the entire process, from initial identification to demolition, is expected to stretch over several months.
Despite these formalities, some officials within the civic body have pointed out that the process can be expedited in cases of emergency or when the structure poses a significant danger to the surrounding area. A senior civic official stated that a mahazar, or an official record, should be conducted in the presence of the property owner before any demolition is carried out. However, if the building is deemed to be hazardous or poses a threat to public safety, BBMP has the authority to demolish the structure within 24 hours of issuing a notice.
For buildings that do not present an immediate threat, the BBMP will continue with the legal procedure, providing property owners with time to comply according to the rules. The BBMP sources revealed that a significant portion of the illegal buildings identified so far includes schools, hospitals, and residential properties across the city. These sectors are often complex, and unauthorized constructions in such areas can lead to severe consequences, including overcrowding, safety issues, and a strain on local infrastructure and services.
As BBMP continues its efforts to address these illegal constructions, it is clear that a balance needs to be struck between enforcing building regulations and allowing property owners sufficient time to comply with the notices issued. The lengthy procedure underscores the importance of adhering to planning regulations in maintaining the city's infrastructure and ensuring that Bengaluru continues to grow in a sustainable and orderly manner.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
