Tilted building being demolished by BBMP; residents demand action on all illegal structures in city

UPDATE: The entire building was demolished on Feb 12, 2020.

The building that is tilting dangerously to one side in Hebbal-Kempapura’s G Ramaiah Layout is being demolished to nullify any collateral damage on the residents within and outside the structure. In addition, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has opened a relief centre for 150 residents who are affected by the mishap.

“BBMP has started demolishing the dangerously leaning structure for safety reasons,” stated BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar, adding that action will be taken against the building owner. However, the residents want him to also prosecute his officials for allowing such a construction. In addition, they want the civic chief to take action on all the illegal buildings in the city.

Says Nagaraj HD: “There are plenty of such buildings, mainly built for renting out. No set backs, no space left for proper free movement of people, vehicles, rescue ops. Many are disasters waiting to happen. There seems to be total violation of plans and no check by authorities.” Lalit
has an urgent concern regarding the tilted building: “Will their homes be reconstructed? Why does BBMP give permits to dig borewells wherever anyone likes? If they do not, do they penalize anyone digging a borewell heavily? If unauthorized digging is illegal, is there a number where one can call and register complaints?”

Ajit is frustrated with the state of affairs in the city and outside: “In future, BBMP may have to buy a stadium or vacate Vidhana Soudha (to accommodate people) as they themselves have turned a blind eye to violations in construction by individuals and builders.”

Prasanna Venkatesh says it is now or never: “We are seeing 6 and 7-storeys everywhere on a small cross road. What is the use when there is no strict action to the officials who granted permission without inspection?” The residents also blame the residents for lacking a conscience. “Greedy people construct low quality high-rise building without safety and fire approach road, just for rents, and the public is at risk.” Kishore Rai tweeted to the commissioner saying, “Even now, there is construction going on  Kadubeshanahalli Road… I have seen 6 floor structure coming up. Who gives such permissions?”

In reality, no permissions are given by the civic authorities because there is no law that allows such illegalities. Therefore, in most circumstances, the violations are made by the building owners themselves and therefore, they are firstly liable. However, the civic officials are also responsible if they don’t act on such illegal constructions, particularly when they have received complaints from the residents and the media, or they have turned a blind eye despite knowing of their existence.

In HSR Layout, when then chief minister Siddaramaiah came to inaugurate a park, the residents complained about an assistant engineer of the BBMP for being highly corrupt and not bothering to curtail the illegal buildings that were mushrooming in the neighbourhood. The chief minister suspended him immediately, but did not take any action on the unauthorised structures. A few months later, the corrupt employee was back, albeit in a different area of Bangalore. This is the state of civic affairs in the city. If there is strong political will, everything can be resolved. “And for that to happen, we have to elect the right candidate, irrespective of caste, creed, religion or money power,” says resident Prashanth KN. “Only then, can we hope for a better tomorrow.”

UPDATE: Feb 12, 2020: The entire building was demolished without damaging the adjoining structures.