BBMP finds over 1,171 buildings illegal in Bengaluru; only 9 face demolition

Bengaluru: Over 1,171 buildings — currently under construction — are illegal. This is the latest finding from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's ongoing survey, which was initiated following the collapse of a six-storey building in Babusapalya that resulted in the deaths of nine workers last October.

What stands out, however, is that the civic body has demolished unauthorised portions of only nine buildings so far.

Mahadevapura has identified the highest number of unauthorised buildings, possibly due to active citizen activism. Other zones do not even come close, despite illegal constructions being rampant across the city. Data shows that the RR Nagar and the West zones have not undertaken the survey as actively as the other zones.

Since the BBMP’s zonal commissioners have been entrusted with overseeing the survey of unauthorised constructions independently, the civic body is yet to fully collect data from all eight zones.

'Seems like a farce'

Commenting on the findings, residents fighting against illegal constructions feel that the BBMP's actions on the ground "seem like a farce to show some activity". They point out that the civic body is merely covering up building violations with token actions like sealing buildings.

"This is ineffective, as JCBs are woefully falling silent," said R Rajagopalan, convener of the Bengaluru Coalition, a collective of citizens.

"After the dismissal of appeals or inquiries, the next step should be the demolition of deviations without leniency, as stipulated by law. In several instances, the confirmation order is over a year old, but there has been no demolition," he said. "This must be treated as dereliction of duty and contempt for officers who do not enforce court directions."

Shashi Kumar, a senior citizen from Shakambari Nagar ward in Jayanagar, said he flagged at least 31 unauthorised constructions between Sangam Circle and Banashankari, along with photos.

“Five- to six-storey buildings are being constructed on 30x40 sites, violating approved plans. At least two buildings are being constructed on the rajakaluve. Despite making formal complaints last November, the BBMP has not stopped any of these constructions,” he said.

Of the 31 cases, he noted that the civic body issued the first notice after he made multiple visits to the joint commissioner's office as the zonal commissioner was not responsive. He believes the BBMP is deliberately delaying the process of stopping illegal constructions to give builders time to complete the buildings.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath was unavailable for comment.