BBMP empowered to approve plans for single plots up to 2.5 acre

In a significant policy change aimed at simplifying the property development procedure, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been granted the authority to approve plans for single plots — particularly those under 2.5 acre — within its jurisdiction.

This authority, which was previously held by the planning authority, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), has now been shifted to BBMP under amendments to Section 17 of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act, 1961.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath told The Hindu that before BDA was granted the power for approvals, the BBMP did have authority to sanction plans for single plots up to 5 acre. Now, the extent of the land is reduced to a hectare.

Reason for delay

Until recently, single plot owners — especially those owning CTS (City Titled Survey)-numbered sites or lands converted from agricultural to residential use — were required to get layout approvals from external planning authorities. Only after securing these approvals could they apply for khata and subsequent building plan permissions from BBMP. This multi-step, multi-agency process led to delays, confusion, and in many cases, unauthorised constructions and irregular developments.

With the new mandate, BBMP will process and approve plans for individual plots directly, provided the site conforms to the city’s Master Plan guidelines. This includes ensuring the inclusion of essential infrastructure elements like roads, drainage systems, and zoning classification (residential, commercial, etc.). These plan approvals are now mandatory for any property seeking building permits or changes to existing structures.

Streamlining development

A senior BBMP official noted that this decision comes at a time when the city is seeing a surge in unplanned growth. By bringing all approvals for individual sites under BBMP’s oversight, the government aims to streamline development, reduce bottlenecks, and prevent unauthorised constructions.

Notably, even lands that have been converted from agricultural to non-agricultural use — under Section 95 of Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 — will now fall under BBMP’s purview for plan approval. Once the plan approval is sanctioned, the owner can then obtain a khata and apply for building permission, effectively consolidating the entire process under one authority.