No civic amenity sites given for Indira Canteens: BDA

Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has denied that it has given permission to use civic amenity (CA) sites to build Indira Canteens. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is executing the state government’s ambitious project, had identified 14 CA sites across the city to build these canteens.

The BBMP had requested joint commissioner of BDA in Bommanahalli zone to allot 1,600 sqft near Subramanyapura lake in Uttarahalli for the Indira Canteen. But the BDA had already allotted the plot for building a hostel for the Forum for Social Interaction in 2009.

A senior BDA official said, “We usually give prior notice in the media before allotting such plots for other purposes and we also mention what it will be used for.”

Meanwhile, BDA commissioner Rakesh Singh said, “It is not possible for us to allot space for Indira Canteens since it is against the rules. BBMP has sought 14 such spots. We can allot land only wherever it is possible.”

BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad said, “Where there is no space, we have asked the BDA, police department and BWSSB to allot land to build the canteen. It will take some time, but we are working with an eye on the deadline,” he added. The state plans to open these affordable canteens on August 15. “If the BDA is unable to allot the plot to us, they should provide alternative land close by,” Prasad said.