B'luru Coalition: Act against building violations in east zone

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

The Bengaluru Coalition, a collective of civil society organisations, including RWAs, NGOs and federations, has urged the BBMP Chief Commissioner to act against widespread building violations in the BBMP East Zone. In a letter submitted on Wednesday, the group highlighted the lack of enforcement despite multiple complaints and meetings with BBMP Zonal Commissioner Smt. Snehal Rayamane.

For over a year, residents have raised concerns about unauthorised constructions disrupting their communities. However, according to reports, officials have been instructed to overlook setback violations, focusing only on additional floors. The Coalition emphasised that setbacks, which ensure access to light and air, are fundamental rights and must be enforced. The Coalition’s letter, accompanied by a physical signature campaign with nearly 500 signatures, escalated the matter to the BBMP Chief Commissioner during his visit to the East Zone on December 4, 2024. They requested immediate intervention and a time-bound Action Taken Report within 15 days. The Coalition also pointed out that the Karnataka High Court, in WP 41517/2019, had directed enforcement actions on the 1,300 building plans sanctioned annually by BBMP East Zone.

However, officials currently rely on citizen complaints to initiate action, exposing whistleblowers to risks. The group insisted that suo moto enforcement is essential to uphold the law and protect residents. Despite challenging weather and a short timeframe, cluster volunteers organised ward-level campaigns to gather support.