BENGALURU: The proposed demolition of an 18-storey apartment tower in southeast Bengaluru has sparked significant debate over the reliability of occupancy certificates (OCs) issued by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The 49-unit structure at SNN Raj Etternia near Kudlu received its OC earlier this year but is now set for demolition following new geotechnical investigations that uncovered serious soil issues.
While the developer assures that the remaining 14 towers in the 972-unit township are structurally sound, residents argue that this incident highlights critical concerns regarding the building approval and certification process.
Urban planning expert Ashwin Mahesh noted that the situation reveals a disconnect between regulatory approvals and actual safety. “The developer sees a risk in the building, yet GBA issued the OC. This highlights a need to reevaluate the OC process and ensure the authority’s technical competence,” he shared on X.
Netizen Prasanna Viswanathan stressed that the issue transcends a mere construction defect, questioning the true meaning of an OC. He pointed out that if the initial geotechnical investigation failed to identify critical subsurface conditions, it raises doubts about the certification of a building’s structural or geotechnical integrity.
The incident has reignited concerns about construction on lakebeds and marshy land. Mahesh BR, who monitors the state’s infrastructure projects, advised homebuyers to be cautious when purchasing properties constructed on or near lakes and marshes. He highlighted areas like Bellandur, Varthur, Gunjur, and Sarjapur as particularly vulnerable due to their composition of reclaimed wetlands. He urged the government to mandate updated geotechnical evaluations for any apartment buildings near lakes built after 2015.
Various social media users have also questioned the effectiveness of regulatory oversight. A user named Pradyumna emphasized that if a reputable developer can face such issues, it raises even more concerns for projects led by smaller firms. He accused the GBA of failing in its oversight role and called for accountability among civic officials and the government.
Another user, Kumar K, criticized the rationale pointing blame at the geotechnical consultant. “So neither GBA nor the builder bears responsibility, but an unknown soil-testing firm is at fault,” he commented, reflecting a broader demand for accountability from regulators and developers alike.
