Swimming pool: No safety guidelines

 BBMP map required for construction; no safety standards

Swimming pool: No safety guidelines

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: There are no safety standards to be followed in swimming pools in the city. BBMP and fire brigades do not have safety system guidelines to be adopted in swimming pools.

Swimming is a sport that everyone wants to learn. Swimming pools are a favorite for children. Even those who do not know to swim want to spend time in swimming pools and have fun. As the depth increases, swimming pools cause anxiety instead of fun. Government agencies have not indicated what kind of safety measures should be in swimming pools, which can only be enjoyed if they are safe.

Although BBMP has 16 swimming pools in the city, the number of these in luxury hotels, clubs, shopping malls, and apartments exceeds a few thousand. Although so many swimming pools are attractively built, the question arises as to how safe they are. What safety measures have been taken? Senior and junior officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike are not aware of the standards.

The BBMP, which has sufficient guidelines for the construction and maintenance of hotels, restaurants, bars-pubs, and paying guests (PGs), does not have separate guidelines for safety measures in swimming pools.

There are general standards that ‘the water level in the swimming pool should be entered on both sides of the pool, cleanliness should be maintained, there should be a tube system, and there should be a supervisor at all times’. However, no organization has given mandatory instructions that all this must be in place.

Luxury hotels, clubs, and some apartments have swimming instructors. Staff are always present to maintain them. However, this does not apply to all swimming pools. Most swimming pools do not have supervisors. In case of danger, there are no helpers nearby.

In 2023, a girl died of electric shock in a swimming pool on the outskirts of the city. At that time, some talk was made about the safety of the swimming pool, but no action was taken in the days that followed.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath refused to answer the question, ‘Are there standards for the safety of swimming pools?’

BBMP Swimming Pool Private Management

‘There are 16 swimming pools in the BBMP area. Their management has been given to the zones. However, they are not being managed by the corporation. They have been given to private individuals or organizations on an agreement. It has been said that necessary safety measures should be taken. But what measures have not been mentioned,’ said BBMP officials.

‘The complete information about the swimming pools in the corporation is not in the office of the Chief Commissioner or the  Engineer in Chief. They have been given to the zones, and information should be obtained from them. I do not know what measures have been taken regarding safety,’ he replied with a haughty tone.

Entry in the building plan

‘Apartments in the city have identified the area as a swimming pool when they get the building plan and have obtained permission. After that, it is not built everywhere as a swimming pool. It is used for other needs. We do not give much emphasis on it,” said BBMP urban planning officials.

“If any kind of construction including a swimming pool is to be done, it must have a plan approval. If it is not on the plan, then it must be approved before construction. However, we do not have any conditions regarding the implementation of safety measures,” they informed.

“We only see whether the safety measures that can be taken in the event of a fire disaster are implemented in buildings. The safety of the swimming pool does not come under our purview,” said fire department officials.

“There is an instruction for diseased control”

“The health department can issue instructions for the control of diseases that can arise and spread from swimming pool water. There is a rule that the cleanliness of the swimming pool can be maintained without harming health in any way. However, we need to check what rules are in place regarding safety and security,” said BBMP Health Department Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore.

‘There should be strict measures’

‘Safety in swimming pools is of utmost importance. The same care that is taken while constructing a swimming pool should be given to its maintenance as well. Water can pose any danger. For this, safety measures should be strict. Government agencies should monitor to ensure that strict action is taken,’ demanded Chandrappa, a resident of Vijayanagar.

Land conversion beyond the law

 DC approval not required for conversion of agricultural land in urban areas: Act

Land conversion beyond the law

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: Agricultural land has been being converted for non-agricultural use from a year, violating the government law that does not require land conversion within urban areas.

The 'invisible hands' are working to prevent the implementation of the government law by hiding it. Thus, the District Commissioner is accepting applications from land owners for land conversion. Landowners are being unnecessarily burdened by paying lakhs of rupees in fees.

The permission of the District Commissioner is not required to use agricultural land within the 'Master Plan' for non-agricultural needs. The government had issued an order in 2023 that it would be sufficient to pay the required fee along with a prescribed self-declaration while obtaining the construction plan from the concerned urban planning authority. However, the District Commissioner is not following this.

To simplify the land conversion process in urban areas, the state government has amended the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 and issued a notification on July 27, 2023, with the approval of the Governor. 

Section 95 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 has been amended, and if the land used for agriculture or other purposes is included in the ‘Master Plan’ as per the Karnataka Town and Countryside (KTCP) Act, 1961, then the land conversion process by the District Collector is not required. It has been informed that the holders of such land should pay the necessary fee to the Town Planning Authority. 

An application should be submitted to the District commissioner for conversion of land or agricultural land that is outside the jurisdiction of the local planning authority and not published in the master plan. The District Commissioner can convert it after obtaining the approval of the concerned planning authority and paying the fee. If there is no response from the Planning Authority within 15 days, it shall be deemed as approval.

If the District Collector does not approve the land conversion application within 30 days of its submission, it shall be deemed as ‘conversion approved’. The Act clearly states that the District Collector shall approve it immediately after payment of the prescribed fee.

‘No rules have been formulated’

“The Karnataka Land Revenue Act has been amended and a notification has been issued. However, the necessary rules have not been formulated yet. Therefore, BBMP and BDA are unable to collect fees and give the necessary approval for such unconverted land. Some district commissioners are obstructing the formulation of rules,” said a Revenue Department official who did not want to be named.

‘The amendment to the law has been brought at the insistence of Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. The opinion of the state’s district commissioner has been obtained and it has been tabled in the legislature and notified. However, some people have obstructed its implementation.

‘Government is cheating citizens’

‘The government has said that the law has been amended to simplify land conversion in urban areas and to avoid the inconvenience and office wandering of citizens. However, they are cheating by not implementing it,” complained Padmanabhar Reddy, a former leader of the BBMP ruling party.

“The District commissioner is illegally converting land, and the Revenue Minister is aware of this, but he is silent. Action should be taken immediately to implement the law,” he demanded.

“The agricultural land under the jurisdiction of the 110 villages, including the municipalities and town panchayats that have come under the jurisdiction of the BBMP, does not need to be converted. However, they are being given B-khata and creating problems. In addition, the revenue that the BDA and BBMP could have received has also been hindered,” he said.

Nov. 25 deadline for clearing lake encroachment

• Total lakes under BBMP jurisdiction: 201
• Encroachment in 159 lakes
• Total encroachmentclearance of 851 acres pending

Action against officials if action is not taken as per High Court directive: BBMP

Nov. 25 deadline for clearing lake encroachment

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: BBMP has given another deadline for clearing encroachment of lakes in the city. It has warned that disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned officials if encroachment is not cleared by November 25.

The Special Commissioner of the Administrative Division issued a ‘Letter of Information’ to all the executive engineers under BBMP jurisdiction on November 13, asking them to completely clear the encroachment of lakes under their jurisdiction. They have been instructed to submit a report by November 27.

The state government, which had been objected to several times by the High Court, had issued an order on August 28, 2023, deputing officers for the protection of lakes and primary-secondary royal canals and clearing encroachments, specifying their responsibilities.

The BBMP had also submitted an action plan to the High Court through an affidavit stating that the encroachments of the lakes would be cleared within a time frame. Accordingly, it had started a 16-week action plan to clear encroachments in 159 lakes from the first week of September 2023. The encroachment clearance work of the first week of lakes was to be completed in 70 days.

The 16-week action plan process was completed by the end of December, and even if calculated from that period, the encroachments of all the lakes were to be cleared by mid-March 2024. However, due to the negligence of the BBMP officials, the encroachment clearance operation has not yet begun.

‘As per the directions of the High Court and as per the action plan for clearing encroachments of lakes, the work of measuring, surveying and identifying encroachments of the lake should have been done. The Chief Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction in the meeting held on October 25, 2024 that no action has been taken so far. Therefore, the encroachment work of all lakes should be completed by November 25. Disciplinary action will be taken against the failed officers as per the Karnataka Civil Service Rules (Conduct, Classification and Appeals) and the Karnataka Municipality Act,’ the Special Commissioner of the Administrative Division has warned all the executive engineers.

Garbage fine for APARTMENTS

 Lack of solid waste management system in bulk generators

Garbage fine for APARTMENTS 

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

BENGALURU: BBMP has decided to impose double penalty on apartments that do not have waste management system.

According to the solid waste management rules, in apartments where waste is generated more than 100 kg (bulk generator), there should be a management system for it. However, wrong information is being given that we are giving waste to someone. All these will be checked and action will be taken," BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath told reporters on Monday.

During the inspection by our staff, many bulk generators are saying that they are disposing waste to MSGP Infratech Institute. However, MSGP has a capacity of 750 tonnes. 500 tonnes of solid waste is being disposed of daily by BBMP. How are so many bulk generators of the city disposing of the remaining 250 ton capacity. There are questions about whether so many tippers are going there. Therefore, an inspection is being done', he said.

"Bulk generators are disposing of solid waste informally without coming into our system. They are giving money to some people. They are littering our vehicles. It is going to land fill areas' he said.

Apartments must have a solid waste disposal system. For those who do not have this system, schedule a time and implement it. Until then, the BBMP will collect the garbage by collecting double the cost from them in the form of fine. He informed that more than twice the amount of money allocated for waste disposal is collected from the solid waste management company.

BBMP has decided to allow private companies to set up solid waste management units. Organizations can implement their own space and machines for processing. He said that waste can be obtained from bulk generators.

Ejipura flyover: Crack in segment

Lack of quality in 'precast' of previous contractors; Disruption to work

Ejipura flyover: Crack in segment

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: A crack was found in the segment of Easypur flyover while the work was going on. Cement and gravel are coming out from the 'precast segment' which was built four years ago.

Due to the intervention of Transport Minister Ramalingareddy, the work which had gained momentum for the last two months has again faced a setback. A crack has appeared in the 'precast segment' built by the previous contractor. During the process of placing the segments on the pillars and connecting them with cables, gravel and cement fell from the segments, causing considerable cracking.

Elevated Corridor on Koramangala Outer Ring Road (Ejipur) 2.5 km. Simplex Infrastructure Company started constructing the long flyover from 2017. Lease was given. The project was to be completed by 2019. The contract was canceled in 2022 as per the instructions of the High Court due to delay in the work. Later, a 'turn key lumpsum' contract was awarded to BSCPL Infrastructure to complete the remaining work and the mandate was issued on November 17, 2023.

Out of the 69 precast segments constructed by the previous contractor, 11 segments have been installed by the present contractor. While assembling these, cement, gravel fell from one segment and a lot of cracks appeared. Thus, the work has been stopped for a week. Due to this, the speed of work has slowed down and there is a possibility that it will be delayed compared to the previous project.

Indian Institute of Science (IISC) experts visited the spot and inspected the segment and gave a report. Accordingly, it is recommended to remove the cracked segment and install another one.

We have experienced a lot of problems since the work has not been done for four years. Work was going on fast for two months. Now they have stopped because there is some problem. We are the only ones who are suffering from the traffic every day," lamented Rajamohan, a local.

Will be Replaced: Lokesh

A defect has appeared in the precast segment constructed by the previous contractor. Only one segment is the problem and it is suggested to replace it. All kinds of preliminary tests are being done. But this error was not found. The work will be continued with more caution," said Lokesh, chief engineer of the planning department.

Engineers not willing to identify the illegal building!

 Engineers who did not follow instructions of BBMP Chief Commissioner

Engineers not willing to identify the illegal building!

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

Bangalore: Zonal level officials and engineers are hesitating to survey and report the illegally constructed buildings in the city.

 On October 25, Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath had ordered all the zonal commissioners to survey the buildings being constructed illegally without plan and in violation of the plan and submit a report within a week.

 It was suggested to register the illegal construction of buildings using the app. The survey work has been done by taking 70 people from a private agency. Tushar Girinath himself told the reporters that the report has come from Mahadevpur and the western zone, and it will be available from the rest of the zones on the evening of November 4.

 The facts are different from the information given by the Chief Commissioner. The list of illegal buildings in the zones is not yet prepared. Local engineers have been lagging behind in identifying unauthorized buildings. Thus, this process is still in its infancy. BBMP sources said that the final notice given to some buildings many years ago is being implemented now.

 Whatever app is made, local engineers should record information in it. That process itself is delayed. Also, there are many kinds of pressure on engineers, including politics.

The information about all the buildings being constructed illegally or unofficially is available in the Junior, Assistant and Assistant Executive Engineers, Joint Director of City Planning. Give them a notice whenever they want and they will calm down. No action is taken even after many months. Thus, illegal buildings are fully constructed. Officials of the city planning department, who did not want to be named, said that only when there is a building disaster, the word 'Evacuation of Illegal Buildings' is raised.

 The words of CM and DCM are not recognized!

 On October 24, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that if any illegal or unauthorized building construction continues, action will be taken against the concerned engineers including the zonal commissioner. He said that he should not be under any influence.

 Shivakumar also instructed to conduct a survey about the construction of illegal buildings and submit a report within a week. Similarly, Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath had also ordered. However, none of the instructions were recognized at the local level. The survey and reporting of illegal buildings is still in the initial stage.

 "No information yet"

 Information about unauthorized and illegal buildings should be identified by local engineers and forwarded to the central office through the chief engineer, joint commissioner and zonal commissioner. All of them will be collected and a report will be prepared,” said Girish, additional director of urban planning who has been appointed as the nodal officer for preparing the report on illegal buildings.

 He suggested to become a nodal officer only on Tuesday. "The work has not started yet," he said.

HUDCO Loan 27000 crores for Bengaluru Business Corridor

HUDCO Loan of ₹27000 crorea for Bengaluru Business Corridor

Farmers get better compensation: BDA

•  ₹27 thousand crores Cost of construction of business corridor
•  2,400 acres Final notification for land acquisition
•  3 years Deadline for project completion

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್

 BENGALURU: HUDCO has agreed to provide the complete loan for construction of the 73 km long 'Bengaluru Business Corridor' on the outskirts of the city.

 Due to land acquisition, the project, which has been stalled for many years, is being finalized. A special package is being prepared for land acquisition and it is planned to fix the compensation amount between the BDA Act 2013 and the compensation amount of the current land acquisition process.

 The project which was known as Peripheral Ring Road has been named as 'Bangalore Business Corridor'. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been set up for the implementation of this scheme, headed by Additional Chief Secretary L.K. Atheeq has been made the President.

 The Business Corridor Project has been decided to be constructed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) by getting a loan through government guarantee. The Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) has agreed to provide a full loan at an interest rate of 9 per cent for this project. Negotiations are underway to reduce the interest. Apart from this, talks are going on with two more organizations and will be finalized in 15 days, said L.K. Atheeq told Prajavani.

 The project requires land acquisition of 2600 acres, of which 200 acres are owned by government institutions and have been handed over. He said that the process of land acquisition will be completed soon by negotiating with the farmers and landowners and giving them compensation in a way that will satisfy them.

The government has deputed eight KAS officers to complete the land acquisition process. Preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been started. After completing all the necessary processes, the tender will be called in six months. He informed that the target of completion of the project has been set within three years from the commencement of the work.

 Commercial Area: 

It is planned to construct a 100 meter corridor. Land acquisition will happen like that. Both sides of the business corridor are intended to provide land for commercial purposes. Six lanes of 50 meters will be constructed. The remaining space will be sold for commercial purposes,” said Atiq.

 60% of the cost of the project is required for land acquisition. Therefore, the debt cannot be paid only by toll collection. Thus, the space on both sides of the corridor will be sold.

 Business Corridor route 

 The business corridor starting from near Nice Junction near Madanayakahalli on Tumkur Road will reach Namaghatta Road, Doddaballapur Road, Bellary Road, Hennur, Old Madras Road, Whitefield, Channasandra, Sarjapur Road, Hosur Road.

 The PRR will pass over railway level crossings and 395 minor junctions on the roads of Nameghatta, Doddaballapur, Chikkaballapur, Whitefield, Hosur. A total of 16 flyovers are planned to be constructed over the Jarakabande Lake, Tirumenahalli Lake, Chinnaganahalli Lake, Gunjur Lake, and Chikkatoguru Lakes.

Tunnel Road: ₹750 crore per KM, Tender in January

Tunnel Road: ₹750 crore per KM, Tender in January

• Tunnel Road (First Phase)
•  18 km long From Hebbal to silk board 
•  ₹750 crore Cost per km tunnel road
•  January 2025 Tender invitation for construction of tunnel road

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

BENGALURU: The BBMP plans to invite tenders for the Tunnel project in January, intending to use Chinese tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to construct a tunnel road in the city. Also, the project cost is also high.

 There is a plan to construct a six-lane tunnel road from Hebbal to Silk Board, in which two roads have been decided to be reserved for BMTC buses.  Only electric buses are allowed to ply. Also, it is planned to build commercial purpose stores, malls, multi-storied parking buildings.

 It was earlier estimated that one km of tunnel road would cost ₹450 crore. However, according to the DPR completed by BBMP in three months, one km tunnel road will cost ₹600 crore to ₹750 crore.

 The tunnel road project requires about 56 acres of land acquisition, of which 50 per cent of the land will be reused. Along with the commercial purpose, it is considered to be used for the beautification of the tunnel road.

 It has been decided to implement the project in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the plan has been made so that 70% of the cost will be borne by private contractors. BBMP plans to get the remaining 30% from financial institutions, said BBMP officials.

The relationship between India and China is improving and plans are being made to import TBMs directly from China. Chinese TBMs have been used instead of European TBMs, the cost of the project will be reduced by 10%. We have decided to start this project in six months," said Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar told Prajavani.

 The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready and it has been decided to call for tenders in January. The tunnel road is planned to be built on a world scale in such a way that everyone will be amazed. All kinds of facilities will be provided on this road," said BBMP Principal Engineer B.S. Prahlad said.

 'Point' for entry-exit

 The North-South Tunnel Road Corridor will start from the front of Hebbal Lake and will go up to the Central Silk Board. Entry and exit of vehicles will be allowed in front of the lake. After this, a 'point' for exit and entry of vehicles will be constructed near Hebbal Veterinary Hospital. A 'point' is currently planned to be constructed near Mekhri Circle Palace Grounds, Golf Grounds and Maharani College, Lal Bagh. It is intended to provide entry and exit on Sarjapur Road and Outer Ring Road side.

NAMBIKE NAKSHE (Building plan)not found in time limit

BBMP: Approval only after going to AROs office

NAMBIKE NAKSHE not found in time limit

•  More than 50 percent applications are pending
•  Excessive delay in East, West, South zone
•  The original purpose of the project failed
• 
  
  
  
  

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: The objective of the 'NAMBIKE NAKSHE' project, which started with the slogan of providing a map for the construction of residential buildings in a single day, has failed. Citizens do not get the map within the time frame, and the wandering to the BBMP offices has not stopped yet.

 Under the concept of 'Brand Bangalore', the 'NAMBIKE NAKSHE- Nimma Mane Nakshe Nima bagilige' scheme to get building plans without going to the BBMP office was practically successful in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and Dasarahalli zones.

 Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had extended this scheme to all sectors from September 2. Even after almost two months, the plan has not materialized. Plan not available online. A plan is available only if you go to the office of the revenue department officials and wander for a while.

 As per the 'Nambike Nakshe' scheme, approved map should be available within 15 days if all documents are ready for residential buildings up to 50 ft x 80 ft size. The 'temporary plan' should be available on the day of application. All this process has to be done online and BBMP staff cannot visit the office. But all this remains in the project's mission statement.

 If you apply for the plan online, the process of the city planning authorities will be completed quickly. But the revenue officials are delaying. Check the documents in the revenue department, if they match the map should be approved. "Assistant Revenue Officers (AROs) who do not follow this, want the owner or engineer to 'contact them' like before," complained Raghunath, owner of Padmanabhanagar.

 "Once a system is successful in practice, it should be fully implemented online. Although the time frame is said to be approval of the plan, it is not fixed for the AROs. If they do not approve within seven days, the approval should be automatic. But, that process is not going on,' alleged Engineer-Architect Ramesh.

 The process of providing e-khatha for all properties in the city is underway. Besides, work of revision of voter list is also going on. Thus, the process on the 'Nambike Nakshe' is slowing down," explained AROs who did not want to be named.

 'There is no difference from before'

 Although the new scheme has been implemented, there is not much difference from the old system. As the slogan of 'Nambike Nakshe' suggests, 'temporary plan' is not available in a day. They made it as if there was no choice. As before, AROs should be visited frequently in their office, during their time. Architect-Engineer Sarvottam shared his experience saying that the statement 'You cannot go to BBMP office' has not been implemented here. Citizens' wandering has not stopped.

 'Not yet full automated'

 Automatic plan approval under the 'NAMBIKE NAKSHE' scheme for buildings has not been fully implemented. The approval of the plan is done only after the approval of the Assistant Revenue Officer (ARO) after completion of the process. It is held that there may be problems if there is an automatic system at the initial stage. However, it is true that the approval by AROs is getting delayed. At their stage, there are many pending applications or files,' informed the senior officials of the Town planning department.

 Application status of 'NAMBIKE NAKSHE'

 (From September 2 to October 28)

 Zoning; Application Receipt; Approval

 East; 126; 17

 West; 145; 50

 South; 215; 30

 Bommanahalli; 250; 64

 Mahadevpur;78;35

 Yalahanka; 107; 60

 Rajarajeshwari Nagar;707;480

 Dasarahalli; 49; 37

 Total; 1617; 773

Ban on bursting firecrackers during day time

 Bursting of green firecrackers allowed only from 8 to 10 pm: BBMP

 Ban on bursting firecrackers during day time

 Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has instructed the officials to strictly follow the orders and directions issued by the Supreme Court regulating the sale and use of firecrackers within the jurisdiction of BBMP.

   The Supreme Court has given many directions regarding fireworks. As per the order of the State Pollution Control Board, only GREEN FIRECRACKERS are allowed to be burst from 8 pm to 10 pm. During the rest of the time bursting of firecrackers is completely banned.

 The sale and use of any other firecrackers except GREEN FIRECRACKERS as permitted by the Supreme Court directives is also prohibited. Information about 'green firecrackers' will be available on the website of the Karnataka State Pollution Board (https://kspcb.karnataka.gov.in/honble-supreme-court-directions-fire-crrackers)

 Public should celebrate Deepavali 2024 in an eco-friendly way. Officials should strictly instruct them to use only green crackers. Action should be taken against those selling and stocking banned firecrackers and confiscation of the entire warehouse. Tushar Girinath suggested that steps should be taken to register a criminal case against the concerned persons.

ZC is responsible for vacating the building

 Strict vigilance on building constructions under the jurisdiction of BBMP

 Zonal Commissioner is responsible for vacating the building

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath has issued an order giving responsibility to the zonal commissioners to clear the buildings and unauthorized constructions that are being constructed in violation of the plan in the city.

 The Chief Commissioner, who has issued devolution order regarding violation of sanctioned plans, prohibition of construction of unauthorized buildings, has directed to prevent all kinds of violations.

 City sanctioned building plans are published online. Within 30 days of approval of this plan, the Town Planning Officer shall mark the 'Building Plinth Line' in the presence of the building owners or their representatives. It should be confirmed by Joint Director of Central and Zonal Office.

 Junior, Assistant Engineer, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), Executive Engineer in the ward should get the details of the sanctioned plan and ensure that the construction is progressing accordingly from time to time.

 In case of complaints from the public about the construction of the building, the AEE of the sub-division should send a junior engineer for inspection. A comprehensive report of that building should be submitted to AEE within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. 

 The AEE shall issue notices to inspect the construction violations in the presence of the owner. Site inspection should be done within 15 days. After reviewing the violation report by the Zonal Commissioner, the AEE shall issue a notice to the owner within 15 days to stop construction.  After conducting all kinds of investigations during this period, the Zonal Commissioner should issue an order to vacate the building under construction giving 30 days time.

After issuing a notice to the owner to prevent construction, the responsibility of preventing any construction will be on the Junior/Assistant Engineer of the respective Ward and the AEE. Disciplinary action will be taken if they are negligent.

 The zonal commissioner should issue an order to vacate the buildings in violation of the rules and complete the eviction work within the time limit. For clearance of unauthorized building constructions as per rate lists, floor wise cost per square meter should be prepared and approved by Zonal Commissioner by Executive Engineer. An agency should be hired for building clearance.

 The cost of vacating the building should be met from the sector's revolving fund. Then the Chief Commissioner has issued an order mentioning many sections of the BBMP Act-2020 that action should be taken to recover that cost from the building owner from the revenue department.

Building Plan Stops- Restrictions on haphazard development of the city

Without Layout plan approval from BDA no building plan from BBMP

Building Plan Stops- Restrictions on haphazard development of the city

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: BBMP has decided to restrict haphazard development activities in the outskirts of the city. Banning sanction of building plan for plots where 'layout plan' has not been approved by BDA.

 As per Section 17 of the Karnataka Urban and Country (KTCP) Act, 1961, the 'planning map' must be approved by the local planning authority for the land converted. BBMP can give account and sanction building plan only for such single plots and barangays.

 In violation of this act, BBMP was directly accounting for areas less than 20 thousand square meters and giving plan approval. To this, the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) took issue and wrote a letter on September 4, 2024 stating that this approval was contrary to the KTCP Act, which drew the attention of the BBMP.

 BBMP has thoroughly investigated the matter and taken advice from legal experts. Accordingly, the Chief Commissioner has issued an order on October 3 to approve building construction plan only in six classifications of single location, multiple location or layout.

 If the BDA does not approve the 'layout plan' as per the KTCP Act, there is a possibility of haphazard development in those areas. A Layout plan or design plan like a master plan is approved based on the planned development. This can prevent the encroachment of lakes and canals in this context. Also, like the master plan, the classification of commercial and residential areas including the infrastructure like roads and sewers will also be entered in the 'layout plan'. This will enable construction of the planned area,' BBMP Town planning officials informed.

Blockade in Arkavati layout

 BBMP has also restricted the sanction of building plan for single plots or multiple plots in lands under the jurisdiction of Justice Keshav Narayan Samiti in BDA Arkavati layout.

 Initially, 3,329 acres were notified for acquisition of Arkavati layout. In the final revised notification there is only 1,766 acres. The notified lands are subject to scrutiny by the committee. Therefore, there will be no opportunity to give any khatha and allow development for these lands, BDA said.

 BDA has issued notification of land acquisition for Nadaprabhu Kempegowda layout, Dr. Shivramakaranta layout area, peripheral circle road and other areas. These lands are under the purview of development tax under Section-20 of BDA Act 1976. BDA will not approve single plot or multi plot layout plan in such lands. The BDA has informed through a letter that if BBMP gives khatha and building plan for such plots, there will be financial loss. Considering all this, the BBMP Commissioner has issued a restraining order on October 3.

 Building plan for sites in six classifications

1.  * Plots bearing City Title Survey (CTS) no
2.  * Plots with khata entry in 'A' register when coming under BBMP jurisdiction from purasabhe, Municipalities, Gram Panchayats
3.  * Plots constructed, approved by BDA, Plots for which Development Plan has been sanctioned.
4.  * Building plans already received from BBMP, proposals for revised or additional building construction
5.  * Plots allotted to beneficiaries by Govt and KHB, KIADB, KSSIDC, KSDB
6.  * Single sites approved under Section 17 of KTPC Amendment Act including BDA, BMICPA.

In Market price BDA allotted CA site to Government College

 Letter to Kengeri First Class College;  Lease for ₹21 crore at market rate!

In Market price BDA allotted CA plot to Government College

 Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) has issued the allotment letter of the civic facility (CA) plot, which was earmarked for a government college two decades ago, on August 14.

 In Sir M. Visvesvaraya (SMV) layout 1st Block, Civil Facility (CA) Plot No. 3 was earmarked for the Government College.  It was reported by on October 3 under the title 'Neglect to provide college land' that BDA did not allocate the land to the education department.

 BDA President N.A.  Harris's signature is pending, he will sign soon," said BDA Commissioner N.  Jayaram said.  After completing all this process, the allotment letter, which was ready on October 8, was handed over to the college education department officials on Monday.

Also Read... Negligence of BDA in CA plot allotment to government college... https://keremanju.blogspot.com/2024/10/negligence-of-bda-to-provide-land-for.html

 Market Rate: 

19,109.91 sq.mtr CA plot is charged at ₹9,750 per sq.mtr.  The allotment letter suggested payment of ₹21.98 crore in one installment including GST of ₹3.35 crore.

 The lease is being given for 30 years and ₹ 60.80 lakh including GST is to be paid as lease payment of ₹ 3.98 crore every year.  Besides, it was asked to pay an additional ₹57,000 every year.

 CA Sites should be given to government departments including hospital, education, BESCOM at 20% of the rate of plots allotted in BDA layouts.  Jayaprakash Narayan Forum President Sivakumar complained that the allotment letter has been given to the education department at the current market rate for this CA site which was earmarked two decades ago for a government college in the first block of Visvesvaraya (SMV) Layout.

45 thousand Illegal 'A' KHATHA: No action even after a year

BBMP: Illicit detection of ₹898 crore in July 2023; KHATHA not cancelled

45 thousand Illegal 'A' KHATHA: No action even after a year

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Eight zonal commissioners have not taken disciplinary action against anyone even after a year and a half of detecting cases of illegal 'A Khata' for more than 45,000 properties under BBMP.

   Investigation revealed that 'A' KHATHA was issued using 'R code 130' of 'IFMS' software by illegally collecting development fee from the owners of properties eligible for B KHATHA. From 2015 to 2023, a total of ₹898.70 crore has been paid in 45,133 cases. In July 2023, the then Special Commissioner of Finance Jayaram Raipur gave an investigation report saying that most of these cases are illegal.

 As per government order, 'R Code- 130' is used to issue A khata against development charges for properties in certain areas including slums. AROs who have misused this code have issued A KHATHA for assets that should have B KHATHA. Development charges are not payable for unconverted plots. All such assets are recorded in B Khata or Wahi. In such cases also illegality has been committed by issuing A khata. It was suggested last year that the Zonal Commissioner should take action against all such officers and submit a report.

 If the owner of the plot who has paid the development fee illegally to get A khata files a confession application, the fee will be refunded. Otherwise the amount will remain with the BBMP. It was also said that the illegal A KHATHA will be canceled and all those assets will be transferred to B KHATHA. 

 Jayaram was transferred after instructing the Zonal Commissioner to take action. Later, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath ordered to form a committee under the leadership of Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner of Revenue Department, to take action on these cases. However, no action has been taken so far.

• Illegal detection in July 2023
•  Notice to Zonal Commissioner to take action
• Although a new committee has been formed, there is no action
• 
  

 Instructions again: Munish Moudgil

 An investigation has already been conducted into the 'illegal 'A' accounts and Jayaram, the former special commissioner in the finance department, has given a report about who is guilty. Zonal Commissioner should take action accordingly. Although a new committee has been formed to investigate, there is no new action to be taken. Therefore the zonal commissioner should take disciplinary action as per the previous order. They will be reminded again about this," said Munish Maudgil, Special Commissioner of Revenue Department, to Prajavani.

 Zone;Case;Collection Amount

 Bommanahalli;6,413; ₹129.31 crore

 Dasarahalli; 3,927; ₹31.28 crore

 East; 6,136; ₹21.46 crore

 Mahadevpur; 12,334; ₹427.69 crore

 RR City; 3,422; ₹92.17 crore

 South; 2,157; ₹8.13 crore

 West; 4,623; ₹8.43 crore

 Yalahanka; 6,121; ₹180.22 crore

 total; 45,133; ₹898.70 crore

  

 ARO: Most cases

 Hoodi  3,565

 Marathhalli; 3,320

 Whitefield; 2,574

 Uttarahalli; 2,371

 Chandra Layout; 2,236

 Yalahanka; 2,099

 Begur; 1,927

 Dasarahalli; 1,798

 Shettyhalli; 1,673

 Yalahanka Satellite Town; 1,625

 Kengeri; 1,621

 Horomau; 1,467

 Thanisandra; 1,424

 Govindarajanagar; 1,234

 HBR Layout; 1,206

 Maruti Sevanagar; 1,206

 Anjanapur; 1,007

Negligence of BDA to provide land for college

 Reservation of CA seat in SMV Barangay for Kengeri Govt First Grade College

 Negligence of BDA to provide land for college

 Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

Bengaluru: The state government has decided to upgrade government schools and colleges to the level of private institutions. However, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has been neglecting for decades to allot the land earmarked for the government college.

 Built by BDA two decades ago,  Civil Facility (CA) plot No. 3 in the first block of Sir M.Visvesvaraya (SMV) Layout has been earmarked for Government College. However, the BDA site has not been allotted to the Education Department so far.

Also Read... In Market price BDA allotted CA plot to Government College....

 The Director of College Education has written to the BDA saying that the CA site reserved for Kengeri First Class College should be allotted. In connection with the same issue, MLA of Yeshavantpur Assembly Constituency S.T. Somashekhar has also written four times to the BDA Commissioner and President. The BDA estate officials asked in July 'in whose name the land should be allotted and a 30-year lease agreement should be signed'. In response, the Director of College Education has requested that it be allocated to 'Kengeri First Class College'. There has been no process since July.

 Kengeri First grade College has five courses including BA, BCom, BBA, BSc BBM and 1,100 students are studying. Now the college is running in the building of Kengeri High School.  that there are not many facilities in this college, which has more students than private colleges. A.V., Lakshminarayan, Principal of Kengeri Government First Class College, said.

 At least 30 rooms are required for the existing students in the school. However, classes are held in 13 rooms and on the top of the building. He informed that there is no laboratory, library and rooms for lecturers in the science department.

Letters have been written for over a year to allot the CA site reserved for the government college to the education department. A request has been made to the BDA officials personally. More than one thousand students need a well equipped building and modern facilities. If this land is found, a model college will be built,' he said.

•    A reserve of land two decades ago
•  A college of 1100 students housed in a high school building
•  There is no laboratory, library facility

 Pending Chairman's approval: Commissioner

 If the CA site is to be allotted to the government departments, the chairman and commissioner of the authority should approve it. I have approved the process of allotment of land to Kengeri College. Pending the approval of the President, he may give his approval in a few days," said BDA Commissioner N. Jayaram told Prajavani.

 'Legislator, DCM instruction not recognized'

 Local MLA S.T.Somashekhar wants to allocate land to Kengeri grade Class College and wrote a letter to BDA president and commissioner. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has suggested to take quick action in this regard. But, the BDA officials are not moving forward,'' complained Sivakumar, president of Jayaprakash Narayan Forum.

 The BDA officials, who have succumbed to private pressure, are delaying giving the plot reserved for the government college. If the land is not allotted to the college soon, there will be a struggle,' he said.

A BDA promise that has not been fulfilled even after years

 Lack of infrastructure in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda barangay, struggle to build house

 A BDA promise that has not been fulfilled even after years

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA)'s promises to construct a vehicular road to facilitate the construction of houses in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) are not being fulfilled even after years.

 Those who have got a plot in NPKL are not able to build a house. There is no 'motorable road' required to transport the building construction. The settlers who are struggling to transport the materials, despite building houses with difficulty, are struggling without water, electricity and drainage system.

 Over the years, the squatters and office bearers of the barangay association have written many letters to all levels of engineers, including the Deputy Chief Minister, BDA Chairman, BDA Commissioner, and have also submitted a petition in person. There are promises that 'the road will be ready in another month, in ten days' but in reality, no progress is being made in three months, six months or even years.

 BDA is developing roads using Soil Stabilization Technology (SST) for the first time in layouts. However, the necessary roads for the settlers have not yet been constructed.

 BDA officials say that 80% of the works have been completed in NPKL. However, there are no real privileges to build a house here,' complained the settlers.

 Some houses have been constructed in the 5th block. It has been requested many times to build roads suitable for traffic for them to travel and build new buildings. Even in the 6th block, the road has not progressed. Some parts of block 7 have been asphalted. Wet mix needs to be applied as a soil stabilization work in some areas,' said Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Barangay Open Forum President E. Channabasavaraja said.

Separate contractors have been given mandate in March to construct SST roads in 5th, 6th and 7th blocks of NPKL. Work is going on in the 7th block. The work in 5th and 6th block is still in the initial stage. The joint secretary of the forum, Suryakiran, complained that the tenders have not yet been called for constructing roads in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th blocks of the Layout.

 'No electricity connection, no drainage system'

 Those who have built houses in NPKL 5th block have not been given permanent electricity connection. Wherever houses are built, they are being given temporary connections from neighboring villages. Although it is said that there is a drainage system, the drainage water in the area where the roads are joined is flowing to the plots outside. Sewage water is said to go directly to the Waste Treatment Plant (STP). But the actual picture is different. There are no street lights. Madhusudhan, a resident of the 5th block, said that the cords are wrapped around the electric poles.

 When the BDA chairman came for inspection on August 14, he said that within 10 days, all the roads will be wet-mixed and allowed for vehicular traffic. However, not a single road has been improved so far,' complained Suryakiran.

 Works will start: Harris

 NPKL tenants have complained, work will be done. Can't do everything at once.  The work stopped due to rain and now it will be continued said BDA President N.A. Harris said.

 Technical problem: 

Construction of SST roads in 7th block of NPKL is nearing completion. 5th and 6th blocks are partially working.  BDA engineers said that there are technical problems in many parts, they will be rectified and the road work will be started.

'Bill not paid'

 The bill has not been paid to the contractor who is working on the drainage and water system in the 5th block of NPKL for a year. Hence, they have stopped the work. So the local engineers told us that they are not able to build SST roads," said Suryakiran, joint secretary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Barangay Open Forum.

 SST: Cost of ₹121 crore

 There are about 15 thousand plots in 5th, 6th and 7th blocks of NPKL and 30 feet, 40 feet and 50 feet roads are being constructed in SST.  It was said that this is a more robust and durable technology than normal asphalt roads, and the cost will be reduced by 10% compared to concrete roads. As promised by BDA in January, these roads were to be constructed in nine months. 50% of the roads have been constructed in the 7th block. Work has not started on 5th and 6th block.

 ₹40.35 crore for 29 km SST road in 5th block, ₹40.36 crore for 28 km in 6th block and ₹40.33 crore for 29 km road in 7th block.

Bbmp ₹1539 crore scam : 'Initiate the department's inquiry by September 27'

 Since 2008, there has been mismanagement in Gandhinagar, Malleswara, Rajarajeshwarinagar areas

Bbmp ₹1539 crore scam : 'Initiate the department's inquiry by September 27'

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: According to the investigation committee report of retired justice Nagmohan Das, the departmental inquiry should be started by September 27 regarding the irregularities in BBMP's Gandhinagar, Malleswar and Rajarajeshwarinagar zones since 2008, the Legislative Council's Government Assurances Committee has instructed the BBMP.

 The government had formed a committee headed by retired Justice Nagmohan Das to investigate the alleged irregularities in 198 wards including the engineering departments of the three zones since 2008. The committee submitted a final report, which was discussed in detail in the Committee on Promises of the Legislative Council. Thus, based on the investigation report, the departmental inquiry should be initiated and reported within the next 15 days (September 27), the committee suggested, and the urban development department has ordered the BBMP through a note that 'action should be taken accordingly'.

 Make a separate list of the accused who are currently in service and prepare the information in the form of a table in which post they are currently working. It has been suggested that a separate list of retired persons and deceased persons should be prepared and furnished.

 What's the case?: 

There were allegations of irregularities in works worth ₹1,539 crore from 2008-09 to 2011-12 in Malleswar, Gandhinagar and Rajarajeshwarinagar. Bill registers and measuring books were not matched. About 10 thousand work orders were also found to be fake. The then Commissioner Siddaiah had handed over the case to the BMTF in November 2011 to investigate the matter. On November 19, a fire broke out in the office and computer room of the BMTF police station, and the computer and files were burnt. The government formed a committee under the leadership of retired Justice Nagmohandas after much indignation was expressed in the Corporation Council and Legislatures. The committee submitted its final report in 2017. 

List of Officers by Sep 21: Saravan

 Even after many years of Nagmohan Das's committee report, BBMP has not taken any action. Thus, it has been suggested in the assurances committee meeting held on September 13 that the department should start an investigation within 15 days. It has been suggested to submit the list of all the engineers and officers involved in the scandal by September 21," said T.A. Saravan told Prajavani.

 Report agreed, be acted upon: Nagmohan Das

 A detailed report has been submitted to the government about the irregularities in Malleshwar, Gandhinagar and Rajarajeshwarinagar zones. The government accepted this report and made a decision. But there was no order. Retired Justice Nagmohan Das said if action is being taken even now, it is a good development.

BDA Karantha Layout: BETTERMENT TAX fixed

BDA: Taxation based on guideline rates for 17 villages

BDA Karantha Layout: BETTERMENT TAX fixed

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) has fixed Betterment tax for residential purpose land and buildings of 17 villages under Shivramakaranta Layout.

 The Betterment Tax is fixed as per the guideline rate fixed by the Registration and Stamps Department. As per section 20 and 21 of the BDA Act, 1976, Betterment Tax is levied per square meter or per square meter.

 The matter was brought up in the meeting of the authority meeting, which was approved. A notification will be issued by the state government in a few days and BDA will start the process of collecting of Betterment tax.

 The rate of Betterment tax is fixed for the residential areas of the respective villages, while commercial purpose areas are charged 80% more than the tax fixed for residential plots. Tax will increase by 60% for industrial areas. If there is a corner plot or a road on both sides of the property, 10% more than the residential plot development tax is payable.

 Issue of Demand Notice: A 'Demand Notice' will be issued to pay Betterment tax to property owners in 17 villages under Shivaram Karantha layout. An officer has been appointed for that. If the tax is paid as per the notice, they will be issued a KHATA. This tax has been fixed after taking the advice of legal experts, said BDA financial member A. Lokesh said.

Tax as per BDA formula: Jayaram

 Betterment tax is fixed as per BDA formula. There is nothing more or less. One-third of the difference between the guideline rate in that village before BDA acquisition and the guideline rate in 2024 has been fixed as Betterment tax. All the people within the 17 villages are using the infrastructure developed by BDA for Karanta Layout. BDA commissioner N Jayaram said that the value of land will also increase by paying tax and issuing BDA KHATHA.

•  ₹51 thousand to ₹13.78 lakh for a 1200 sq ft plot
•  ₹1000 crore collection target
•  80 percent for commerce, 60 percent more for industry

Why is the tax not developed?

 Because of this, BDA has not provided any infrastructure to the surrounding villages. Gram Panchayat and BBMP have provided facilities in some parts. So why pay development tax to BDA. According to the guideline rate, those who set the tax should also give the same compensation' M.Ramesh Ramgondanahalli, coordinator of DSS (combined) Bangalore district, questioned.

'Digital Khatha' for property owners at the end of the month

 BBMP: Draft e-khatha available online; One month is allowed for objection

 'Digital Khatha' for property owners at the end of the month

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

BENGALURU: Digital Khata or e-Khata, which is treated as a 'Bhoo Aadhaar' document, will be available to property owners in the city by the end of September.

 Even though the property khatha is available online in rural areas of the state, BBMP has been lagging behind the system. The process was started a year ago with the intention of providing e-Katha to property owners of the city. Now in the final stage, the e-khatha of 20 lakh properties is being prepared. All information of properties has been digitized.

 In the draft e-khatha, the latitude and longitude along with the image of the property are recorded. It will be available online by the end of September. BBMP is also incorporating the details already collected under the Urban Property Ownership Record (UPOR) scheme into the e-khatha.

 Once the draft e-Khatha is available to the property owner, the details thereof should be verified. Objections should be submitted online if there is any change. Also, some documents are required to be submitted by the owner. BBMP intends to make the final e-Katha containing all that available to the citizens on November 1.

 Once e-Khatha is available, it is like 'Bhoo-Aadhaar' for property owners. The ownership of the property will be documented with a picture and a specific location," said Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner, Revenue Department, BBMP.

Once the e-Khatha is officially available with the property, all further processes will be done online. All the information is also made available to the Sub Registrar offices. After the property sale process, one cannot go to any office to change the khtha. He informed that the transferred e-Khatha will be available to the new owner.

 Owner need to cooperate: Munish Moudgil

 150 personnel have been assigned to each ward to capture latitude, longitude of city properties. Property owners should cooperate with these personnel when they come,' requested Munish Moudgil, special commissioner of revenue department of BBMP.

 The owner should ensure that the latitude and longitude are recorded correctly. This will be a clear record of their property and it will remain unique' he said.

Property PID on BESCOM Bill: BBMP 

 BENGALURU: BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath said that the Property Identification Number (PID) of the BBMP will be mentioned in BESCOM's electricity bill.

 A campaign has been launched to capture GPS information for every property and it is mandatory to issue e-Katha. For this, BBMP will visit the properties and the owners should cooperate with them, he told reporters on Friday.

 All the assets in the wards are already listed through the mobile application. He said that the BBMP staff records the GPS information of each property in the same application.

 E-Khata is like Bhu-Aadhaar for every property and will be an official document. As a further part of this, Bescom also informed that by entering the PID of the assets in the bills, clarity of the assets will be available.

 Tushar Girinath said that 'Citizen Module' will be started in the next few days where the citizens will capture the GPS of their assets and upload them in the software. 

 

Ganesha idol hit by hammer, axe!

 POP Ganapa which does not dissolve in the lake; BBMP personnel scramble to break the idol

 Ganesha idol hit by hammer, axe!

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: The Ganesha idols which were worshiped with devotion and carried in a procession from Sadagara and dissolved are being given 'pettu' with hammer and ax.

 Big idols made of other materials including POP are not soluble even in lake water. In the days after the discharge, the staff who have to clean the lake, inevitably have to break the idols.

 Despite many awareness programs and confiscation of stocks of POP idols in some places, the use of POP idols for worship in the city did not stop even this time. Although BBMP has requested many times to worship eco-friendly idols, some organizations are not giving recognition to this. That is why, ruins of idols are seen near lakes and Kalyanis.

 The big idols dissolved in Halasuru Lake have not dissolved. Idols are made of materials like fiber and wood including POP. The BBMP personnel, who had taken out these unmelted idols, scrambled to sort out the wreckage of the idol. At last the axe, hammer and cranes roared.

 Cleaning workers used hammers to break the unmelted idols. Even then, the idols that were not crushed were lifted up with the help of cranes and thrown down. However, they did not break.  He got it like chopping wood with an axe. He made many such efforts to separate the wastes like no other.

 "Despite various awareness campaigns, citizens continue to use idols made of POP and insoluble materials. They complain that if they oppose during the installation and dissolution, they will obstruct the religious practice. If citizens realize and use eco-friendly idols, such debris will not remain. We don't have to suffer like this," said a BBMP official who did not want to be named.

'How much sin to us?'

 We also worship Ganesha. Our favorite deity is Ganapa. But, inevitably we have to break idols. We don't know how much sin will come around us,' said the staff working in Halasuru lake.

 Many idols are not soluble in water. The lake needs to be cleaned and they are all removed. If you put all the waste in one place, they will take it away. However, the idols made of POP and other materials are not completely dissolved even after being in water for a couple of days. Breaking them into parts. He said that even if he does not want to do this work, it must be done.

BDA NPKL: Thousands of plants are drying up

 Tens of crores of wasteful expenditure in the development of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda BDA

BDA NPKL: Thousands of plants are drying up

Kere Manjunath ಕೆರೆ ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್ 

 Bengaluru: Thousands of trees planted by Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) at a cost of tens of crores for four years are withering in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda barangay.

 Officials say that the BDA Forest Department has planted lakhs of saplings in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Barangay (NPKL) for four years in the name of Environment Day, Afforestation, Greenery. It is also said that more than one thousand was spent per sapling.  But now most of the plants are not left.

 'We will make all BDA areas green', road side and road divider saplings have been planted. The gardens are planted with saplings without any outline.  All these were complicated for the development of the garden. Before the development of the garden, the plants that were haphazardly planted there have also dried up.

 "There are saplings only according to BDA forest department, in reality there are no saplings on the roads.  Only 'plant protectors' can be seen scattered among the unwanted weeds in NPKL's paddy fields. The saplings have not been watered or maintained. Thus, everything is dry' complained the locals Rajesh, Shobha, Gangadhar and Manohar.

 BDA forest department officials were saying that more than one lakh saplings have been planted in NPKL. But, in reality, almost a quarter of the plants are not here. In some places only bamboo plant guards are seen. Plants not required locally are being grown in nurseries. Environmental activists alleged that despite the knowledge that the trees that grow in the forest do not grow in the city environment, such plants are also being grown for calculation and cost.

Survey underway: BDA

 It has been noticed that many plants are dry in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Barangay (NPKEL). These plants will be removed and new saplings will be planted," said Deputy Director of BDA Forest Department N. Chidananda told 'Prajavani'.

 About ₹30 crore has been spent to plant saplings not only in NPKEL but also in all the barangays of BDA. The contracts were awarded to Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation (KRIDL) as it was a short duration tender. Some leases may have expired. Everything is being surveyed. New saplings will be planted,' he said.

 No punishment for extravagance?

 Almost all of the saplings planted by the BDA forest department in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda district for four years have dried up. Once planted, no one has looked back. We had already insisted that you should not overspend, plant only if you want to maintain. But no one listened. They spent crores and planted saplings to show the record. Environmental activist Gowdaiah demanded that disciplinary action should be taken against such people and punishment should be given.

 They all say that they cannot give a contract to KRIDL. But the officials of BDA forest department have given them contracts to make money and have devoured crores of rupees. They say that not us, but those who were in the past did it. He demanded that whoever did it should be investigated and punished.