A collusion which destroys B’luru

The collapse of the six-storey building in Babusabpalya in the city last Tuesday taking nine lives, once again exposes the impunity with which illegal construction activity goes on within the BBMP jurisdiction. The network of collusion of BBMP officials with builders ensures that inaction in matters of monitoring continues unabated and it will be business as usual in the days ahead. The preliminary investigation reveals that the said building was being built in violation of Rule 248(3) of the BBMP Act 2020 and had identified the portions that were in violation of the building byelaws. But zonal commissioner of the Mahadevapura Zone initiated no action.

It was failure to act upon the violation that directly contributed to the catastrophe. While two BBMP engineers have been suspended, one can be certain that much of the warnings against illegal constructions would be part of the drama of action that follows every time such tragedies happen. Nothing more. One could ask as to what happened to BBMP Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath’s timeline of 102 days to demolish all buildings failing to comply with the regulations. He had issued the warning on August 18 referring to orders issued on July 27, 2023.

It is well known that violation of zonal regulation thrives within the BBMP area and a collusive network of officials, contractors and builders has vested interest in keeping it alive. In fact, officials seek deputation to the civic body precisely for the lucrative lure of the job. Mass defiance of construction related regulations have rendered life hellish for the denizens of the city in recent years. Unless the authorities rein in the violators, the city will continue to slide down on the liveability index.