BBMP razes unauthorised constructions in Yelahanka

Bengaluru: In a laudable move, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Monday started razing unauthorised portions of under-construction buildings in the Yelahanka and Byatarayanapura assembly constituencies.

In all, 12 buildings, which had deviated from the sanctioned plans, were partly razed, officials said. 

In most cases, the BBMP found that the property owners had constructed one or two extra floors on top of what was permissible.

For instance: Permission was granted for a building on a 40X60 site in Yelahanka comprising stilt, ground and two floors. The owner had constructed an additional third floor, which has now been demolished, officials said. In Srirampura of Bytarayanapura, the BBMP demolished two unauthorised floors. 

In two instances, the BBMP had not issued the building plan approval as the construction was coming up on a 'B' khata property. Considering that only stilt, ground and two floors can be built on this plot, the BBMP demolished the third floor.

Other than these, the BBMP has also issued notices to building owners who have constructed beyond their approved plans. "Some owners have voluntarily begun demolition. In cases where owners have failed to comply, the BBMP is actively demolishing the unauthorised structures in the presence of officials," officials said.

Earlier this year, the BBMP came up with a standard operating procedure to handle cases related to unauthorised constructions. Some citizen groups, however, point out that their complaints have not been taken seriously.