JOIN USBBMP commissioner accused of endorsing illegal shops in market
While the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner M Lakshminarayana spearheaded the demolition of illegal shops at the KR Market recently, a few traders have filed a complaint to the Upa Lokayukta stating that the commissioner himself had endorsed some illegal shops in the remodelled market area.
The complaint said that around 15 shops, which were in the open space meant for fire safety exit, garbage dumping and ventilation, were allotted with the endorsement of the commissioner.
The BBMP had remodelled the KR Market with provisions for fire safety exit and other purposes. The complaint states that in the last four years, some officials of the BBMP had converted the open space into shops after receiving gratification of up to Rs 60 lakh per shop.
The procedure of issuing licences and allotment of shops was not only illegal, but also contrary to the Transparency Act. The BBMP had not followed procedures such as issuing advertisement calling for application on competitive rates or through public auction, the complainant stated.
According to the complainant, the commissioner had rejected a proposal to convert one such open space-cum-passage (Number 137A). However, later the same space was converted into a shop with his endorsement, the complainant said.
The traders said the market was never shut in the last 94 years, but for the illegal acts of BBMP, they were forced to close the shops to mark their protest. “There were directions by the High Court and also by the Lokayukta in the past not to allot any shops in the open space meant for public passage in the upper basement floor of the remodelled market. More than 15 such open spaces have been converted into shops,” the complainant stated.
Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi said that more than the violation, such allotments pose security threats in emergency situations.
“When BBMP itself has constructed remodelled market and had left certain space for fire exits, passage and garbage duck, etc, how could it allow such important ventilation spaces to be converted into shops. It is not only in violation of the building by-laws, but against the safety and security of the people trading and visiting the market. If open spaces are blocked, the damage of life and property would be disastrous.
Few greedy officials appear to be making illegal gain and are allowing illegal conversions. The concerned officials will be directly responsible if the acts are found to be in violation of the law and court order. I have decided to visit the market area on Thursday morning,” Justice Adi said, adding that the BBMP commissioner and deputy commissioner (Markets) have been told to appear in person on April 17 with the original market plan and necessary records.