In December 2018, we reported that the construction of the Shell petrol bunk was stopped for violating the rules. So far, the status quo remains. “Until the Town Planning department of the BBMP does not give its approval, we will not let it reopen,” said one BBMP official at Bommanahalli. “However, they have taken all other permissions and might open anytime soon.”
The bunk was in the eye of a controversy when neighbours objected and got the Sector 3 Residents Welfare Association to complain against the bunk coming up in a residential area. However, the DC converted site was clearly given a commercial status by the BBMP paving the way for a commercial building. The civic officials also tell us that since it’s on 18th Main Road and 22nd Cross, both being largely commercial roads, the residents should not object to it as the entrances are not pointing towards the residential areas. However, that obstacle also seems to have been cleared now as the residents have given a ‘no objection certificate’, according to our sources.
Then what’s causing the delay? Sources tell us that the Indian Oil Corporation bunk on 19th Main is using political influence to stop the Shell petrol bunk from coming up. “Since they know that Shell delivers quality, they expect business losses if it comes up, and are doing everything they can to prevent it,” said one source.
So far, Shell’s competitors have been successful in stalling it as this issue is around for almost two years now. “There was one other issue about the Bescom transformer coming in its path. But now even that is resolved as Shell has agreed to pay and have it relocated,” said one official familiar with the issue.
The construction of the bunk itself is 80% complete. Once they get the green signal from the BBMP’s town planning department, it will be business as usual for the Shell petrol bunk. However, if the BBMP continues to delay the issue, the bunk owners are ready to approach the court as well. “After all, they are paying Rs 8 lakh every month as rent for the site,” said one source. That’s almost Rs 2 crore for the two years of its existence.
