New order: Greater Bengaluru Authority to take over from BDA

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), long the city’s main planning body, is set to lose its clout. 

The state government has proposed transferring substantial planning powers to the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), a change no government dared to experiment given the BDA's economic influence and political considerations. 

In the new scheme of things, the GBA is expected to plan for about 800 square kms of area, which is a little over its present jurisdiction, while the BDA’s role will be reduced to just 400 square kms, down from 1,200 sq km. 

This change is expected to reduce the BDA’s dominance, as its revised jurisdiction covers areas with little development potential. 

A notification is likely to be issued amending the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, to distribute the responsibilities among two authorities anytime soon. 

Transferring the local planning area (LPA) from one authority to another is a rare move. It shifts the power to prepare a Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) or the master plan for Bengaluru; it also encompasses the authority to approve land use changes (CLU), new layouts and development plans.

In simple terms, builders and property developers will now make a beeline for the GBA instead of the BDA. 

On top of that, the GBA will have the authority to shape Bengaluru’s urban landscape, with powers related to zoning regulations, setback relaxations and height restrictions among others. What’s more, It can revise building byelaws and issue Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates. 

Tushar Girinath, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department (UDD), confirmed that there is a proposal to amend the KTCP Act to grant planning powers to the GBA, as it is now part of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Authority Act. He also stated that the GBA will be responsible for preparing Bengaluru’s master plan. 

A senior official said the government should consider expanding the BDA's jurisdiction beyond 1,200 sq km or take back the planning powers entirely. "Given the manpower BDA has, there is no point planning for just 400 sq km. If it continues, the government may have to pay town planners with no work," he said. 

With GBA gaining power, the government plans to empower five newly carved with the authority to approve development plans for all types of buildings irrespective of size and floors, provided it falls within the zoning regulations.

"The GBA will only be responsible for planning for Bengaluru. Corporations will approve building plans and keep a check on violations," a BBMP official said.