PNT Reporter

The Bengaluru Coalition, a newly formed citizens' group, aims to address violations of building regulations and promote planned urban development in the city. Comprising resident welfare associations (RWAs), NGOs, and the Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF), the coalition seeks to tackle issues like unauthorized constructions and improve enforcement of civic laws. Motivated by ongoing challenges and a recent building collapse in Babusapalya, it collaborates with the Karnataka High Court's ongoing efforts to curb violations. With support from over 50 RWAs and BAF, the coalition advocates systemic reforms, educates citizens on legal recourse, and pushes for accountability to ensure sustainable urban planning.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a preliminary notification to acquire around 143 properties, including 94 buildings, to widen a 2.4-km stretch of Gunjur-Varthur Main Road in Gunjur village. The project aims to enhance the existing 30-meter road between Gunjur Lake and Vinayaka Theatre, part of State Highway 35. This road is one of 14 slated for development under the Revised Master Plan for 2025, with a total of 25 km planned for improvement. BBMP officials stated that the land acquisition will be compensated through transferable development rights.Read more

PNT Reporter

The BBMP reported a property tax collection of INR 4,284 crore between April and November 2024, with INR 700 crore recovered from arrears. Nearly 88% of the total was collected via online payments, indicating the growing popularity of digital transactions. Mahadevapura was the highest contributor, while Dasarahalli recorded the lowest. Special Commissioner Munish Moudgil credited enhanced tax systems and outreach efforts for the achievement but acknowledged challenges, including arrears of INR 400-450 crore and inefficiencies in low-performing zones. BBMP aims to reach INR 5,200 crore in property tax collections by March 2025.Read more

PNT Reporter

BBMP is set to begin auctioning properties with unpaid tax dues this month, particularly targeting non-residential properties whose owners failed to clear dues despite the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme. As of November 23, 2.3 lakh property owners still owed INR 365 crore out of a total INR 734 crore. The BBMP began issuing notices from December 2, and wo;; auction only properties not under court orders. Revenue officials also highlighted that over two lakh defaulters remain, while BBMP has collected INR 221 crore from unassessed properties, urging owners without a khata to apply for provisional tax numbers.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) urged telecom operators to clear their property tax dues under the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which ended on November 30, offering waivers on interest and minimal penalties. With around 10,000 telecom towers in Bengaluru, many operators have outstanding taxes since January 2015, totaling over INR 100 crore. The tax, set to increase from INR 7,540 in 2014-15 to INR 19,000 in 2024-25, will double for unpaid dues after December 1. BBMP's structured framework and incentives aim to streamline tax collection and ensure compliance, addressing long-standing disputes with telecom operators.Read more

BHIVE Workspace, a leading provider of coworking and managed office spaces in India, has acquired a 39,753-square-foot property in Bengaluru's HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar. Strategically located near landmarks like The Leela Palace and Manipal Hospital, the property offers over 1,000 seats to cater to startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. Valued at INR 3.54 crores, this acquisition aligns with BHIVE's vision to expand premium office solutions. Collaborating with Century Real Estate, the move underscores the growing demand for flexible workspaces. With 27 branches and 28,000+ seats, BHIVE continues redefining office environments, reinforcing innovation, community building, and quality services.Read more

Residents of Bengaluru's Horamavu, Hoysalanagar, and Jayanthinagar are opposing the construction of residential quarters near Jayanthinagar Lake's buffer zone, citing safety and structural concerns. Initiated by the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation for economically weaker sections, the project has faced delays and transparency issues, with no visible project details onsite. Residents propose alternative uses for the land, such as a park or community centre, benefiting local citizens. Additionally, they seek the development of a park near Jayanthinagar Government School, emphasising sustainable development over questionable construction projects. The community urges the BBMP to prioritise public welfare and address their concerns promptly.Read more

A comprehensive survey by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has revealed the staggering scale of unauthorized construction in Bengaluru, particularly in the Mahadevapura zone, which houses the city's tech hub of Whitefield. The survey identified over 2,500 illegal structures across the city, with Mahadevapura leading the way with 528 such buildings. Despite directives from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to take strict action, the survey process has been hampered by local political pressures and past compromises, raising concerns about the commitment of civic officials to address this pressing issue.Read more

With just a week left to settle property tax arrears under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, around 200,000 out of 390,000 defaulters owe a staggering INR 373 crore. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has confirmed that no further extensions will be granted beyond November 30, urging defaulters to pay their dues to avoid steep penalties. As of mid-November, the BBMP has collected INR 360 crore of the INR 733 crore owed. As part of its recovery efforts, the BBMP has begun attaching and sealing properties.Read more

The Karnataka High Court ruled that a petition against a service provider is not maintainable before the Karnataka Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA). Columbia Pacific Communities Pvt Ltd., a senior-care service provider, challenged a K-RERA order involving it in a complaint by the Serene Urbana Apartment Owners' Welfare Association against the project developer, Ozone Urbana Infra Developers. The association had included the service provider due to its role in collecting maintenance charges. Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that the service provider's responsibilities were limited to service agreements with individual flat owners and unrelated to development issues. The court concluded that the dispute primarily involved the developer and the association, excluding the service provider from liability.Read more

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has flagged over 1,500 buildings constructed in violation of approved plans following a survey started on October 28. Notices are being issued to property owners to demolish these unauthorized structures. BBMP officials clarified that adhering to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act could take 3 to 4 months to complete the demolition process. The civic body follows a step-by-step procedure, with owners being given time to comply. Senior officials highlighted the need for a mahazar in the owner's presence before demolition, though BBMP can act quickly in dangerous situations. Unauthorized schools, hospitals, and residences make up most of the identified buildings.Read more

The BBMP has urged property tax defaulters to clear dues under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, which offers waivers on interest and penalties and is set to expire this month. Defaulters face additional charges from December 1 if payments are not made. Across Bengaluru, over 1.6 lakh defaulters owe INR 397.3 crore in property tax arrears. In Yelahanka zone, proactive measures, including attaching 212 properties and sealing 54 establishments, have achieved 85.4% of the collection target. BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath has directed officials to intensify enforcement actions, emphasizing the importance of recovering dues to improve revenue compliance.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) e-khata system has faced significant challenges since its launch in October, with only 5,324 final e-khatas issued from 22 lakh available drafts, despite 54 lakh website visits. Common issues, including data errors like misspelt names and incorrect property numbers, have hindered adoption. To address this, BBMP will introduce a correction module, enabling property owners to rectify mistakes at local revenue offices. Additionally, a new module for properties lacking khata documentation is set to launch soon. These measures aim to improve transparency and adoption, though experts highlight the need for better user support and outreach.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is addressing challenges related to the e-khata system by involving Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to assist residents in understanding the process of obtaining property documents online. Training programmes for RWA representatives will begin soon, empowering them to help others in the community. BBMP has already set up help desks and activated Bangalore One centers to support the final generation of e-khatas. Despite uploading 22 lakh draft e-khatas, the response has been underwhelming, with various technical and procedural challenges hindering progress. Residents have welcomed the move, but some argue that the training should have been part of the initial launch.Read more

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, has outlined a transformative vision for Bengaluru's metro network, aiming to extend it by 175 km by 2026. After inspecting the newly extended Nagasandra-Madavara line, Shivakumar detailed phased additions, including 30 km by 2025 and the remainder by 2026. With significant investments and collaborations-such as with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Indian Railways-;the state is enhancing metro accessibility and connectivity. Infrastructure improvements include underpasses, skywalks, and parking facilities to support seamless transit. Bengaluru's growing metro ridership underscores the network's essential role in reducing city traffic and improving commuter convenience.Read more

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) received a significant relief from the High Court, which allowed a review petition filed after a 12-year delay and stayed a 2012 order concerning a five-acre property in Kengeri, Bengaluru. The BDA argued that the original petitioner, R Arunachalam, had misrepresented his ownership and concealed the sale of part of the land before filing the petition. The court acknowledged that the BDA's delayed review petition could be excused, given the circumstances. Additionally, the BDA presented evidence of sale deeds from 2004-2006, showing the land's division before the original petition was filed in 2011.Read more

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a significant policy change, halting the issuance of A and B khata certificates for sites in layouts lacking official approval from planning authorities. This move targets unauthorised developments, many on Bengaluru's outskirts, that lack essential infrastructure. The policy aims to enforce stricter urban planning regulations, ensuring that only layouts with approved infrastructure qualify for certification. Experts believe this will encourage adherence to planning protocols and potentially boost property values in authorised layouts. This policy shift is a step towards sustainable urban development, fostering organised growth and improving the quality of life for residents.Read more

Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd (ARIIL) has reported remarkable pre-sales for its newly launched residential project, Ajmera Iris, in Bengaluru's Electronic City, Phase 2. Within the first week of its launch, the project sold 59,000 sq. ft. out of 1,58,859 sq. ft., totaling INR 60 crore in revenue-about 37% of the available inventory. Located near key infrastructure like Hosur Road and the Bengaluru Metro, Ajmera Iris combines convenience with lifestyle amenities, making it an attractive choice for buyers and investors seeking quality living spaces in Bengaluru.Read more

BMRCL has secured the necessary permissions to start commercial operations on the Green Line's newly extended route between Nagasandra and Madavara, with an inauguration expected midweek, followed by full services the next day. BMRCL's Chief PRO, BL Yeshwanth Chavan, stated that preparations are underway, including finalizing schedules and assigning staff at three new stations. The delayed opening had caused frustration among commuters, resulting in overcrowding at Nagasandra station. The new extension, part of Phase II, has been eagerly awaited by the public for seven years, and it is set to improve connectivity in the area.Read more

Concorde, a leading developer in Bengaluru, is launching Concorde NEO, a residential project on Thanisandra Main Road spanning 4.02 acres with a revenue potential of INR 450 crores. The project features six towers with 424 units designed for community living, boasting over 40 amenities, including a 7,000-square-foot "Evolve" clubhouse. Its strategic location offers easy access to Kempegowda International Airport and nearby metro stations, enhancing connectivity for residents. Emphasizing sustainability, Concorde NEO incorporates smart technology and eco-friendly systems, making it an attractive option for families and professionals seeking modern urban living in a rapidly developing area.Read more