BENGALURU: As the skyline of the city rises with state-sponsored housing, a critical question remains — are these homes truly safe? Various projects by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) are under scrutiny due to missing fire clearances and incomplete safety measures, transforming dream residences into potential dangers.
One significant example is the BDA Indraprastha apartment complex in Kengeri, which has been denied a fire no-objection certificate (NOC). This complex, comprising multiple high-rise structures, reportedly fails to meet necessary open space regulations.
When TOI spoke with residents, many expressed that the absence of fire NOCs and lift clearances is a common issue in BDA apartments. Resident Narayana Shetty from the Gunjur BDA complex, which has 868 flats, stated: “Construction began in 2013, and a completion notice was issued in 2015, but substantial maintenance work remains unfinished due to contractor delays. We received permanent electricity only in March 2024, and fire and lift clearances are still lacking. Residents are living in precarious conditions. Thankfully, nothing serious has occurred yet, but we should be ready for anything.”
A resident at the BDA Indraprastha complex noted, “The primary concern is fire safety. The fire department denied the NOC due to insufficient 4-meter access for fire vehicles. The existing fire systems are inoperative—pumps don’t function, diesel connections are incomplete, and systems are not commissioned. Basic safety equipment is absent, with approximately 250 fire extinguishers yet to be installed. There have already been two fire incidents, both managed by residents. People have been residing here since 2018.”
Another flat owner from West Bengaluru remarked, “We purchased these BDA apartments believing all mandatory approvals were in order. It’s shocking to realize that these approvals are lacking not just in our apartments but across multiple BDA projects. This raises serious concerns regarding compliance and, more importantly, the safety of the residents.”
A member of the BDA Apartment Owners Forum stated, “Many BDA projects lack essential statutory approvals like the fire NOC, which is alarming for residents. BDA claims to be in discussions with its engineering teams and relevant departments to resolve these issues. We are cautiously optimistic and hope for prompt action.”
Official data reveals that four BDA apartment complexes — Gunjur Phase 1 and 2, Thippasandra project, and Valagerahalli Phase 5 — are yet to receive fire NOCs. A senior official from BDA mentioned, “We are actively working on it and making considerable progress to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. We have secured necessary permissions for funds, including land acquisition, and will address all technical needs.”
