BENGALURU: Residents of Nanjappa Layout in Kalkere, part of Bengaluru East City Corporation, have expressed concerns about unauthorized G+5 apartment constructions on an 18-foot road. They allege that builders are breaching height limits and safety regulations, resulting in a strain on basic infrastructure and an invasion of their once peaceful neighborhood.
Residents have reported that despite numerous complaints—both verbal and written—to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), there has been no substantial action against the offenders. One local resident stated, “Barricades have been erected in our compound. One building started two years ago, while another began seven months ago. We’re suffering from a lack of ventilation, air, and light. This area should only permit buildings up to G+2, yet we have G+5 structures. We’ve engaged with GBA officials for an extended period, but to no avail. I wonder if any regulations still exist.”
Tech professional Manjunath J voiced concerns that the increasing number of illegal multi-storey buildings complicates life for rule-abiding residents. “In a few years, this area will be overcrowded. Water access, sewage flow—everything will deteriorate. The collapse of a building in Babusapalya, only 3-4 km away, prompted us to take action. That’s why we’re fighting,” he said.
The Nanjappa Layout Residential Association (NLRA) reported that construction has continued despite multiple complaints to the GBA.
Association president Umed Singh remarked, “When we built our homes in 2016, BBMP officials clearly stated that only G+2 plus a penthouse was allowed, and everyone adhered to that. Now two new buildings have emerged, one with five floors and another under construction. The road width of 18 feet cannot accommodate such structures.” Singh accused local officials of ignoring these violations, stating, “We’ve approached them several times, even sending registered letters. One builder openly claimed to have bribed GBA officials. We even have recordings to prove it.”
He emphasized that the layout, with approximately 100 houses and 50-60 individual buildings, was designed for low-rise structures. “Older houses lack sufficient parking. One new building alone will contain 20 apartments, but there’s no space for 20 cars. If more G+5 structures continue to be built, the entire layout will buckle under the strain,” he warned.
In response to the concerns, a senior GBA east division official stated that the department had already visited the site following previous complaints and had issued a stop-work order. “If builders persist in construction despite our notice, we will disconnect Bescom and BWSSB services and take strict action,” the official commented.
Residents now await decisive action from civic agencies.
