Defence RWA to crack whip on violation of zoning norms

The Defence Colony Residents’ Welfare Association (Decora) will issue notices to more than 15 commercial establishments in the locality for alleged violation of zoning norms.

Under the Master Plan and Development Control Regulations currently in force, only certain types of commercial establishments are permitted in main residential zones and Defence Colony is one such zone.

As per the norms, the buildings cannot occupy more than 50 square metre or 20 per cent of the built-up area, if the width of the abutting road is 18 metre or less. None of the roads in Defence Colony is wider than 18 metre and in the last 10 years, many commercial buildings have come up in the area.

“We have been receiving numerous complaints from residents on the nuisance caused due to the presence of commercial establishments. A letter will be addressed to all the hotels, shopping malls and commercial buildings asking them to confirm whether they are following permitted user and on-site parking regulations,” said Akshai Mallappa, Secretary, Decora.

Mallappa said violation of rules by the buildings had been brought to the notice of the Bangalore Development Authority several times, but to no avail. He said there were 200-odd houses in the locality and it was for the first time that an initiative to ensure compliance with zoning norms was being launched.

The commercial establishments would be asked to respond by December 31 and to remedy any breach of the regulations by March 31, 2013.

They have also been requested to allow representatives of the Association to visit the premises for verifying their claims. A copy of the letter addressed to the commercial establishments along with their names, plot numbers and contact information will be sent to the principal secretary, Urban Development department, and the commissioners of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and the BDA with a request to conduct their own investigations and take appropriate action.

Mallappa added that the Association would also seek information under the Right to Information Act to find out how the commercial establishments were allowed to set shop in the residential area.

“The quality of life has deteriorated to a certain extent due to these commercial establishments and we are unable to lead a peaceful life. While some hotels are turning the lanes into dumpyards by throwing waste, commercial buildings are allowing haphazard parking of vehicles,” Rohit, a core committee member of the Association said.