Big BBMP fix: Approved for violation?

Bengaluru, once a haven for pensioners and a city known for its gardens, is now struggling to cope with the consequences of unregulated and unauthorised construction.

A recent survey conducted by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has revealed a startling fact: two out of three buildings under construction in the city lack statutory municipal plan approvals. This means that only 835 of the 2,419 buildings surveyed had obtained the required permission, while a staggering 1,584 properties proceeded with the construction without even applying for approval. The root cause for this chaotic urban planning can be attributed to systemic failures and inefficiency, compounded by a severe policy paralysis within the government.

One of the primary reasons behind this illegal construction epidemic is the BBMP’s refusal to issue building plans for ‘B’ Khata properties, which are essentially revenue sites or single plots situated in unauthorised layouts.

Ironically, the government turned a blind eye when these layouts were being created, and did nothing to prevent the sale of sites, which were then registered in the sub-registrar’s office. The government should have checked the mushrooming of these layouts in the first place. It is now essential to find a solution and take steps to ensure that a similar problem does not arise in the future.

It is also puzzling why ‘B’ Khatas were issued, giving buyers a glimmer of hope. Lakhs of people have invested their hard-earned money and retirement savings in these sites, only to be made to suffer for no fault of theirs.

The government cannot simply absolve itself of the responsibility by taking the stand that these constructions are unauthorised as this would be a gross injustice to innocent property owners who have been led to believe that their investments are legitimate.

While the ‘B’ Khata site owners are grappling with their own set of problems, an equally critical concern is the widespread unauthorised constructions on ‘A’ Khata sites, where high-rises are erected on small plots, additional floors are built without sanction, and setbacks are completely disregarded.

It is inconceivable that such blatant violations occur without the complicity of local BBMP officers who are constantly present in the area. The BBMP’s failure to take action against these major violations exposes the deeper issue of corruption. While BBMP should definitely resolve the issues faced by the ‘B’ Khata owners, it is equally important to act against builders who are flouting rules with impunity.

It should also take stern action against its own officers who are colluding with such erring builders. The BBMP should act before lawlessness in urban planning becomes the new norm.