Activists petition chief secretary to take action on BBMP for violating RTI Act

In a letter dated December 9, 2019, the two-year-old Kudlu-based Karnataka RTI Workers Seva Samithi (KRTIWSS) has complained to the chief secretary of Karnataka to take action on BBMP offices in Begur Road and HSR Layout for not providing information about building violations in their jurisdiction as mandated by the Right to Information Act, 2005. The BBMP was to answer the queries within 30-45 days, but the civic agency failed to do it even after 79 days and counting.

In the last two years, over 40 RTI queries were made to the Bommanahalli BBMP office, however, the replies were never satisfactory. “They would give vague information, or never respond at all, or quote one fake RTI circular that a person can only file a query only three times a year,” said Vijay Dennis, the founder of the KRTIWSS.

Some of the complaints by KRTIWSS had to do with footpath encroachments across HSR Layout and Begur Road, and rampant building violations on stormwater drains, among other things. They have also filed a complaint with the Lok Ayukta about footpath encroachments by commercial establishments in HSR Layout.

“The BBMP officials just issue the showcause notice to the accused, take bribe and keep quiet without taking any action,” alleged Dennis. “Even if one building is demolished, the others will get scared, and not make the same mistake.” His fight continues. Will the authorities respond remains to be seen.