This year, it was only brickbats for the BDA

The High Court was instrumental in reminding people of the existence of a “visibly defunct body,” the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), in the year 2012.

Nearly 30 years after it was constituted to shape the future of Bangalore city, BDA has seen a transformation from being a ‘real estate agency’ to an Authority catering to the needs of the ‘builders lobby.’ The High Court in 2012 has questioned the need for such a department.

On October 12, the High Court in a case regard to denotification of land in HBR 3rd Stage had commented: “It reflects on its working, the men at work and their professional competence in implementing the scheme. In turn, it affects the growth of Bangalore.

Immediate remedial steps are required to be taken.  Otherwise, the existence of such an Authority requires reconsideration. If the court orders are coming in the way of implementation of the schemes by the BDA and the government, it is a matter of serious concern and this court should do something in the matter.”

The BDA was unable to address the woes of the common man and was engulfed in scams even this year. With its officials being trapped by the Lokayukta, arrested by the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force and taken to task by the High Court for repeated failure in addressing the issues related to its jurisdiction, cries to shut down the institution has been growing ever since the turn of the year.

The BDA failed to maintain its promises in delivering the Arkavathy Layout, or start the formation of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout. It was taken to task by the High Court for irregularities in denotification of lands and criticised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for its functioning.

The High Court this year passed an interim order suggesting the BDA make amends to correct the operation of commercial buildings in residential areas, effectively asking the Authority to revert to 1995 Comprehensive Development Plan for sanctioning building plans.
 With controversies over the ‘G’ category site allotment and denotification refusing to die, BDA likely to find the going tougher in 2013.