Illegal buildings thrive in Bengaluru despite opposition

18 Jun 2024 CW Team

In October 2023, the Joint Director of Town Planning (JDTP) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) identified 38 illegal buildings in a layout in Whitefield. These buildings were pinpointed during a crackdown on unauthorised construction activities in the area.

The civic agency was expected to initiate actions to demolish these illegal structures within 117 days, as mandated by a directive issued by the commissioner in July the previous year.

However, residents pointed out that nearly seven months have passed since the special drive commenced in White Rose layout, and no buildings have been demolished yet.

According to Sandeep Anirudhan of Namma Whitefield, residents welcomed BBMP's special demolition initiative, hoping that illegal structures would be cleared within the 117-day timeframe promised by the BBMP Chief Commissioner. However, they expressed disappointment that the enforcement effort lost momentum within two months. BBMP marshals, initially deployed to curb illegal construction, were withdrawn around mid-December, resulting in a resurgence of unauthorized building activities.

Residents also disclosed that they had filed RTIs seeking updates on the ongoing special drive, both with the ADTP Mahadevapura and EE Mahadevapura. According to the RTI response from the Additional Director of Town Planning (ADTP), at the outset of BBMP's anti-illegal buildings drive in White Rose Layout, there were 72 buildings. Out of these, only 34 had obtained plan approvals from BBMP. The remaining 38 buildings did not have any sanctioned plans. Furthermore, among the 34 buildings with plan approvals, 28 were found to have deviations from the approved plans.

As per the response, Town Planning officials have taken some measures regarding buildings with sanctioned plans but deviations. However, there is no information on actions taken against buildings that were constructed without any plan approval.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..