By Sanjana CS
BENGALURU: Cooke Town has experienced a notable rise in blatant building violations over the last decade. Builders often disregard regulations, removing mandatory setbacks and constructing extra floors without the necessary permissions. Despite the Supreme Court providing clear guidelines to mitigate illegal constructions, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) shows little willingness to enforce action against these violations. “In Cooke Town alone, 26 buildings have been flagged as severe offenders, yet only one has faced any form of action, and that was merely a token effort,” states resident Raja Shanmugam.
The only building that encountered repercussions had added three unauthorized floors. However, the BBMP’s “demolition” involved merely making holes in the problematic floors, ignoring other significant violations. “The rest of the structure continues to breach regulations, lacking appropriate setbacks, misusing basements, converting parking spaces into shops, and deploying illegal commercial activities. Complaints have been made, but no further actions have followed,” adds neighbor Reuben Denga.
Construction and occupancy in the remaining 25 buildings proceed unabated, even as the BBMP has issued demolition notices for them. “What’s going on here?” residents wonder, as rule-breakers continue to engage in sales and rentals without consequence.
Upon inquiry, the Zonal Commissioner (East) reportedly stated that her team lacks the resources for large-scale demolitions and is focused solely on floor-level violations, disregarding setbacks and usage issues. Residents were advised to approach the High Court for further actions regarding setbacks.
“This response undermines BBMP’s legal responsibilities and encourages builders to commit more illegal constructions,” remarks Raja.
Responses to RTI requests and complaints to the Lokayukta demonstrate BBMP’s persistent negligence, representing a failure to fulfill its duties.
Even with the Supreme Court’s directive to disconnect utility services until violations are rectified, most buildings maintain uninterrupted BESCOM and BWSSB connections. BESCOM initially engaged in disconnections but has since claimed helplessness due to coordinated stays granted to builders, many of whom appear before the same judge. BWSSB, on the other hand, has delayed issuing notices.
The civic chaos intensifies as numerous buildings have constructed illegal ramps and slopes over public footpaths, obstructing pedestrian access. Despite formal complaints and orders from the former BBMP Chief Commissioner in February to have them removed, these structures remain intact, and new ones are being erected.
Some residents have taken legal action against neighbors for setback violations, citing issues with light, air, and safety. Nonetheless, builders and the BBMP continue to proceed with work after making superficial changes, even after High Court orders.
In Cooke Town alone, 26 buildings have been identified as gross violators, yet action has been taken against just one, and that too, only as a token gesture.–Raja S, resident
With the introduction of new GBA Act provisions and fragmented administration, residents are concerned that these violations will only escalate, becoming more prevalent and challenging to contest.
Raja, who is actively working to halt these violations, has identified 6 to 7 newly constructed homes with illegally added floors. “Rather than exclusively voicing complaints about these properties, we’re working alongside BBMP’s notices that highlight these illegal structures and report where warnings and demolition notices have been issued,” he explains.
Consequently, the number of commercial and residential units has greatly surpassed what town planning norms allow. This unchecked growth is heavily taxing the area’s infrastructure. BM attempted to reach East Zonal Commissioner Snehal R but was unable to connect.
