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The tragic collapse of an under-construction building in Babusapalya, Bengaluru, has brought to light the rampant issue of illegal construction in the city and the lack of effective enforcement by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The incident, which claimed the lives of eight construction workers, has sparked outrage and prompted authorities to take swift action, albeit seemingly belatedly. This article delves into the chain of events, the ensuing response, and the systemic flaws that have allowed illegal construction to thrive in Bengaluru.
The seven-storey building in Babusapalya, located in East Bengaluru, was under construction without valid permission and reportedly violated BBMP’s Building By-laws, 2017. This incident underscores the failure of the BBMP to effectively prevent illegal construction, raising serious concerns about the lack of oversight and enforcement. Following the tragedy, the BBMP has initiated a series of actions, including the demolition of unauthorised buildings and a comprehensive survey of all under-construction buildings in the city. The demolition drive has been ordered by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who has also instructed the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) to take action in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, and Ramanagara districts to curb illegal constructions.
The BBMP’s response, although necessary, appears reactive and inadequate in addressing the root cause of the problem. Critics point to a long-standing pattern of inaction and bureaucratic apathy within the BBMP, which has allowed illegal construction to flourish. Activists and citizen groups have highlighted the BBMP’s failure to adhere to its own circulars, which outline a detailed 117-day timeline for demolishing illegal constructions. The circular also emphasizes the responsibility of ward-level officials to monitor construction activities and prevent any violations. However, these measures have not been implemented effectively, leading to a situation where illegal buildings have become commonplace in Bengaluru.
The Babusapalya tragedy has also exposed the loopholes and shortcomings in the enforcement of building regulations. The suspension of two engineers who were responsible for overseeing the construction site in Babusapalya highlights the lack of accountability and responsibility among officials. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the BBMP’s building by-laws and the procedures for obtaining building permits. There is a clear need for a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The incident has also sparked calls for an independent investigation into the widespread illegal construction activities in Bengaluru and the alleged corruption within the BBMP. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya has urged the BBMP Chief Commissioner to form an independent investigation committee to probe the issue. He has emphasized the need for stringent enforcement of building regulations and for holding officials accountable for their negligence. The Babusapalya building collapse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of lax enforcement and the need for a holistic approach to addressing the issue of illegal construction in Bengaluru. The authorities must ensure that the city’s infrastructure development is carried out in a safe and sustainable manner, prioritizing compliance with building regulations and holding those responsible for violations accountable.