Karnataka government approves BBMP budget after Rs 1,806.66-cr cut

Bengaluru: Citing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management rules, the state government has slashed the civic body's annual budget — recently presented — by a staggering Rs 1,806.66 crore.

However, this has not stopped the Urban Development Department (UDD) from suggesting additional projects.

The UDD's order, dated March 31, will require the BBMP to reassess its plans and accommodate new projects by dropping certain works.

On March 29, the BBMP presented its 2025-26 budget with a total outlay of Rs 19,930 crore, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous financial year.

The budget was then sent to the state government for approval. However, the UDD — which reports to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar — raised concerns that the BBMP might not meet its revenue targets based on projections from property tax, premium FAR, and advertisement policies.

Despite these concerns, the department has approved the budget with certain conditions.

It has directed the BBMP to increase allocations for contaminated water treatment and stormwater drains to Rs 586 crore, up from the Rs 486 crore initially proposed, citing various National Green Tribunal (NGT) and court orders.

In addition, the discretionary quota for the Bengaluru Development Minister has been increased from Rs 135 crore to Rs 360 crore, while Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for constructing a building for the Kempegowda Development Authority, Rs 25 crore for conducting events, Rs 50 crore for advertisements, and Rs 50 crore for public grievance programs.

To accommodate these expenditures, the BBMP may have to drop several previously planned works.