BENGALURU: Aiming to address building plan violations and unauthorized constructions, the Bengaluru Central City Corporation has enacted a comprehensive order. This mandates plinth-line marking, plan verification, and time-constrained demolitions for all constructions within its jurisdiction.
According to Commissioner Rajendra Cholan, “Under the new guidelines, construction work cannot commence without obtaining the approved ‘building plinth-line marking.’ Town-planning officials are required to mark foundation boundaries within 30 days of plan approval and issue a foundation certificate before any construction can proceed.”
He further mentioned, “Senior planning officials have been tasked with ensuring compliance with this process. To enhance transparency, approved building plans will now be accessible to ward engineers and on digital platforms, allowing field staff to check ongoing projects against sanctioned designs.”
Town-planning officers are also obligated to perform regular inspections to ensure compliance with the approved drawings.
The corporation has introduced a standardized protocol for addressing public complaints. All reports of construction violations must be sent to assistant directors, town-planners, and ward engineers. Officials are required to conduct external site inspections, submit reports, and then issue notices to property owners, architects, or builders, scheduling a date for a detailed inspection. Notices can be delivered in person, via email, registered post, or, if necessary, affixed to the premises with photographic proof.
Upon confirming a violation, officials must issue a temporary order under Section 243(3), allowing the owner 15 days to justify why a demolition order should not be enforced. If the response is inadequate or if illegal structures are not removed, a confirmation order will direct the owner to demolish the unauthorized construction within 15 days. Non-compliance will result in the corporation carrying out demolition under Section 349(2), with costs charged to the owner.
Cholan added, “Town-planning officers and ward engineers are authorized to enter sites and halt ongoing illegal work. Any official who permits construction to continue post-confirmation order will face disciplinary measures.”
The order instructs executive engineers to create demolition estimates, engage contractors, and oversee the removal of illegal structures. Appeals will not delay action unless a specific stay order is in place.
