How commercial establishments deal with their waste will determine their chances of having their trade licence renewed by the civic body. The BBMP, on January 31, issued new rules which say that establishments generating more than 10kg of waste will have to show proof of segregation at source or of garbage management with empanelled vendors. Only then will their trade licence be renewed.
“This is the first time that civic officials are using this route to bring in some responsibility among eateries, hotels and kalyana mantapas,” said D. Randeep, Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), BBMP.
Apart from adhering to the plastic ban, commercial establishments have been asked to switch from single-use items to reusable items by March 31.
“We are very keen to ensure that establishments abide by the plastic ban and adhere to waste management at the point of renewal of trade licence. Establishments will also have to display in writing that they will not give parcels in plastic and encourage steel on rent or bring their own cutlery,” said Mr. Randeep.
Licence renewal process to weed out zoning violations
The BBMP has decided to use the trade licence renewal process as a channel to crack down on illegal commercial establishments in residential areas.
The rules include the BBMP announcing that renewal requests from commercial establishments started after 2015 and functioning beside roads less than 40 feet wide will be rejected. As for roads wider than 40feet, the January 31 circular states that renewal of trade licence will be based on guidelines that specify what kind of commercial establishments are allowed.
Building plan violations
The circular has clarified that building plan violations will be dealt with strictly. “There are complaints of building plan violations, which have made way for building to be used fully or partially by commercial establishments. Renewal applications of commercial establishments operating out of the parking lot, basement or rooftop will be rejected,” it says.
Dy. CM’s directions
The BBMP has issued a total of 48,583 trade licences across the eight zones in the city. In January, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister G. Parameshwara had directed the civic body to close shops or offices operating in residential areas without a valid trade licence.
The civic body had stated that, between January 1, 2018 and January 19, 2019, it had issued notices to 8,493 commercial establishments in residential areas and businesses set up in basements meant for parking purposes. Officials also said that following Mr. Parameshwara’s directions, the BBMP had issued around 150 closure notices to commercial establishments set up in violation of zoning regulations.
‘Comprehensive guidelines’
D. Randeep, Special Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), BBMP said the renewal process commenced on February 1 and zonal regulations were being seen ‘on priority’. He, however, clarified that the new rules will be not be applicable retrospectively to establishments that came up before 2015. “For trades that have been operating for 10 years or so, we will have to see the legality.”
“There are also large-scale complaints of building plan violations, which are being looked into, which is why rooftop has been included. There is no trade licence for establishments operating from rooftops or fire exits. These are comprehensive guidelines, and people should know that a trade licence is not something that is just given. Public health and safety are also important in trade,” said Mr. Randeep.
He said the rules would ensure that maximum number of trades are brought under the net and no trade is carried out illegally.
Residents raise questions about BBMP’s responsibility
While the BBMP conditions for renewal of trade licences are being touted as an aide to the long-drawn battle of residents against illegal commercialisation of their areas, residents are questioning the palike’s role in preventing the problem.
Sneha Nandihal from I Change Indiranagar said, “The BBMP is absolving itself. It is the enforcement agency. When you issue a sanction plan, for example, you have to ensure that the structure is being constructed as per the building bylaws. It has to be the responsibility of the BBMP.”
She also raised the question of what happens to those establishments that have no trade licence. “A majority of them have no trade licence. They should be shut down without notice. Where is the question of renewal,” she asked.
S.G. Aditya, secretary, Indiranagar Owners and Traders' Welfare Association, said they would not oppose any action against establishments flouting the laws. “There are many ground+three floor buildings where the terrace has been rented out to restaurants. After the Mumbai fire tragedy, some were closed down. There are also many cases of basements being given out on rent or used as godowns. Valet parking is the name given to vehicles being parked in residential areas,” he said.
He said their stance has always been to spare small-time businesses that do not affect residents or violate BBMP norms.