BBMP Under Fire for Inaction on Illegal Buildings in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, the city renowned for its rapid urbanisation and booming real estate sector, is grappling with a crisis of illegal constructions. An ongoing survey conducted by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has uncovered an alarming figure: over 1,171 buildings under construction in the city do not meet the required legal standards. This initiative, which was launched following the catastrophic collapse of a six-storey building in Babusapalya last October—an incident that tragically claimed the lives of nine individuals—has yet to yield significant results, much to the frustration of citizens. Despite the grave nature of these violations, the BBMP’s response has been slow and inadequate, leading to widespread criticism.
While Mahadevapura has emerged as a leader in the identification of illegal constructions, largely thanks to the active involvement of citizens in highlighting these violations, other zones such as RR Nagar and West Bengaluru have failed to match this momentum. Reports indicate that BBMP’s zonal commissioners, who are responsible for conducting these surveys, have not yet compiled complete data from all eight zones. This lack of comprehensive oversight and action is allowing illegal construction projects to continue, with some even being completed despite ongoing investigations.
Many residents have expressed their disappointment with the BBMP’s approach, calling the actions taken so far “token gestures.” R. Rajagopalan, a prominent member of the Bengaluru Coalition, argued that the BBMP’s attempts to “seal” buildings or demolish certain portions are insufficient in addressing the larger issue. “What we are seeing is a façade of action, when the real solution lies in strict enforcement and the demolition of entire illegal structures, as prescribed by the law,” Rajagopalan said. The slow pace of enforcement has allowed builders to circumvent regulations and complete illegal projects, further undermining residents’ trust in the city’s regulatory bodies.
In areas such as Jayanagar, residents like Shashi Kumar have witnessed first-hand how lax the BBMP’s response can be. Kumar reported 31 instances of construction violations within his ward, which included illegal buildings erected over crucial stormwater drains or rajakaluves. Despite multiple complaints filed in November, these constructions continue unabated, with no significant action from the BBMP. Critics argue that the BBMP’s inaction is an open invitation to builders to sidestep regulations, knowing that enforcement will be neither swift nor comprehensive.
From a civic standpoint, the lack of effective action on illegal constructions has exacerbated long-standing urban issues in Bengaluru, such as traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate public infrastructure. With the city’s rapid expansion, these illegal constructions are often poorly planned and contribute to the erosion of urban green spaces, while putting undue pressure on the city’s already overstretched resources. The sheer number of violations—over 1,000—suggests a systemic failure within the city’s administration to keep pace with the demands of a growing population and burgeoning construction industry.
Sustainability concerns also form a critical part of the debate surrounding illegal buildings in Bengaluru. Many of these structures are built with little regard for environmental impact, often bypassing regulations that would require them to meet sustainable building standards. Illegal developments that violate construction norms frequently result in the destruction of natural habitats, green spaces, and urban ecosystems, further exacerbating the city’s environmental challenges. As Bengaluru faces the consequences of unchecked urban expansion, residents and environmentalists alike are calling for a stricter, more sustainable approach to development—one that prioritises both legal and ecological frameworks.
In conclusion, the ongoing issue of illegal constructions in Bengaluru highlights a larger systemic problem that requires immediate and sustained action from the BBMP. As the city continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation, it is clear that a more robust enforcement system is needed to combat illegal building activity and uphold the safety, trust, and well-being of its citizens. The BBMP must prioritise transparency, swift action, and sustainable development practices to ensure that the city’s growth is both safe and responsible for future generations.
