BENGALURU: The crackdown against
commercial establishments operating out of residential buildings across Bengaluru has come a cropper: Barely five per cent of such establishments have permanently downed shutters in the past two years.
The
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had issued closure notices to 3,658 commercial establishments that were doing business in residential areas in violation of zoning regulations. The crackdown was ordered in the second half of 2016 following pressure from citizen groups and resident welfare associations as commercial activities in residential areas were affecting peace, traffic and increasing sound pollution.
But the latest status update shows only 239 commercial establishments have moved out of residential buildings.
“Even after two high court orders, commercial establishments continue to flourish in our area. The BBMP issued notices over a year-and-a-half ago, but there still hasn’t been any impact on the ground,” said Sneha Nandihal of I Change Indiranagar.
The drive lost steam after the issue was discussed in the civic agency’s council meeting in February last year. The corporators feared revenue generation for BBMP would reduce if commercial establishments are forced to end operations. Moreover, it would affect the livelihood of those working there. To address these issues, BBMP passed a resolution for forming a committee by the town planning department.
“The drive was stalled soon after this decision, and no establishments have been closed since. To my knowledge, no committee has been formed till date,” said Dr MN Lokesh, chief health officer, BBMP.
At 1,500, almost half of the notices were issued to establishments in the east zone, but according to data, only 96 were closed down. However, east zone officer Dr Siddappaji claimed the number is actually higher. “Every 10-15 days, when the zonal joint commissioner is free, we hold hearings with traders. The opinions of the health, engineering and town planning departments are also taken into consideration. Only after this, does the joint commissioner pass an order on the establishment should be closed or not,” he said.
Quote:
I’ve asked my officers to remind the authorities about the formation of the committee so that they can give us some clarity. We’ve no issues at all and can start closing down establishments from tomorrow itself
Sarfaraz Khan, joint commissioner, health and solid waste management.
(Representative image)