OC from BBMP must for City high-rises

Those constructing high-rise residential and commercial buildings within the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits should obtain Occupancy Certificate (OC) from the BBMP, failing which power connection will not be given to such structures.

In a letter to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) managing director, BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana said that the BBMP Council had passed a resolution that Bescom should provide electricity only to those buildings within the BBMP limits which have the OC.

The letter further says this decision was taken to curb illegalities, such as encroachment and building plan violations. The letter has brought the focus back on the controversy as to who should issue the OC to these high rises. 

Successive BBMP commissioners had accused the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) of violating the jurisdictional sanctity by sanctioning building plan, Commencement Certificates (CC) and the OC to buildings within BBMP limits. 

Finally the BBMP Council passed a resolution. But the BDA continues to issue building plans, CC and OC.

For instance, the BDA had sanctioned the building plan and issued CC and OC to Mantri Developers for their Mantri Tranquil project. 

The BDA ignored the fact that the project was within BBMP limits and that the C and D blocks of the Mantri Tranquil were built on the storm water drain. 

Now, Bescom has disconnected power to the two residential blocks comprising some 400 apartments based on BBMP's recommendation and notices to the residents. 

This has left the occupants without electricity for the last 16 days. They are depending on the diesel generator sets.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Lakshminarayana said the BDA or any other civic agency does not have the jurisdiction to issue CC or OC to buildings within BBMP limits.