BBMP to use AI to deliver e-khata, detect illegal structures

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Monday that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deliver draft copies of khata documents to citizens’ doorsteps and detect illegal constructions.

Addressing a press conference after meeting Bengaluru legislators on BBMP’s 2025-26 budget, Shivakumar said the home delivery of khata documents will begin in April.

"The BBMP has digitised all property records. Home delivery will raise awareness about the e-khata programme. We will also consult MLAs on this," he said.

Shivakumar acknowledged the growing issue of unauthorised constructions in Bengaluru.

"Many property owners have built extra floors without approval and do not pay proportionate taxes. We will use AI to identify and measure such illegal structures," he said.

Despite repeated complaints, the BBMP has struggled to take action against illegal buildings, even when officials were alerted.

Pushcarts for 10,000 vendors

The Deputy Chief minister directed the BBMP to clear footpath encroachments by setting up permanent structures. Instead, the civic body will provide mobile pushcarts to them.

"There is no provision for street vendors to build permanent roadside shops, and multiple court orders reinforce this. We have surveyed around 27,000 vendors, with the survey continuing for another week. So far, the BBMP has received 3,778 applications for pushcarts, which will be given free of charge," he said.

Housing scheme

The BBMP is also expected to increase allocations for the 'Onti Mane' scheme, which provides financial aid for housing construction for the poor.

"Many MLAs have requested more funds for this scheme. The budget will be prepared by the BBMP officers with full autonomy," Shivakumar added.

BJP MLAs skip budget meeting

Except for Yeshwantpur MLA ST Somashekar — who is close to Congress leaders — most BJP MLAs from Bengaluru skipped the budget meeting called by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

"They were unhappy about the suspension of their fellow House members, a decision taken by the Speaker. The budget meeting was scheduled on March 24 after consulting BJP leaders CN Ashwath Narayan and R Ashoka," he clarified.

BBMP elections await Guv’s assent

On the BBMP elections, Shivakumar said the polls will be held once Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approves the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, recently passed by the Karnataka Legislature.