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Time of India

Bangalore Development Authority issues notice to property owners in backdrop of layout expansion

Bengaluru: Property owners around Kengeri have been left shocked by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) issuing notices to under-construction properties in villages identified for acquisition as part of the expansion of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL). The move to crack down on construction activities in these villages, in the absence of a formal acquisition order, has not only drawn flak from residents' welfare associations (RWAs) but also left property owners fearful. Interestingly, the authority's move came just a few days after it disclosed plans to acquire about 9,000 acres spread across 17 villages beyond Kengeri to facilitate Phase 2 of the NPKL project. While the official land acquisition process is still on the drawing board, BDA engineers have already been visiting these villages daily and identifying under-construction projects. The owners of these projects have been served notices cautioning them to stop work immediately or face building demolition. According the notice issued by the assistant executive engineer (AEE) of the 4th sub-division of NPKL in one of the villages, a copy of which has been accessed by TOI, the BDA has accused the property owner of illegally taking up construction work. "As per the powers vested under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act-1961, BDA has been named as the local planning authority, and it is mandatory for any property owner to obtain prior permission from the BDA, either to develop a layout or take up construction. Any violation will not only be considered illegal but also attract legal consequences," the notice read. It asked the property owners to submit relevant building and plan documents approved by the authority within seven days, failing which demolition would be taken up. Residents, particularly those with buildings under construction or newly built homes, are in a state of panic, with many alleging that they were unaware of any such acquisition plans. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The BDA's crackdown has sparked outrage and concern among residents and urban planning experts alike. Many argued that the civic authority's actions are not only premature but also unlawful. "BDA has no legal authority — or locus standi — to interfere with property rights in these areas until a preliminary notification for land acquisition is officially published under the Land Acquisition Act," explained an RWA member from one of the villages identified for acquisition. "This is nothing short of intimidation," exclaimed another member, adding, "Until BDA formally notifies the land for acquisition, it cannot stop citizens from constructing houses or threaten demolition. The law is very clear on this." BDA commissioner P Manivannan agreed that such notices have no legal validity. "We have no control over activities in those villages until the publication of a preliminary notification. I will check with the engineers on how such notices were issued and initiate action against them," he told TOI. Last week, BDA revealed its plans to acquire 5,755.3 acres of land in Kengeri hobli for the expansion of the NPKL project under Phase 2, and even assigned five surveyors and data entry operators to complete surveying the proposed villages and submit a report with a detailed map. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.