The recently approved Greater Bengaluru Administration Act (2024), signed by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, aims to expand the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and establish up to seven urban corporations in the city.
However, experts have raised concerns that the relaxation of setback regulations could jeopardize the safety and well-being of neighboring properties. The Act allows a 50% reduction in setback requirements for residential buildings and a 25% reduction for commercial buildings.
Setbacks refer to the space left around a building, which ensures proper ventilation, light, and safety. The relaxation of these rules could lead to larger, taller buildings, but this may compromise privacy and security for neighboring properties. In addition, the Act gives the Commissioner the authority to regularize buildings that violate these rules, even if constructed before the Act’s implementation.
Violators could be charged a fee ranging from 6% to 35% of the building’s market value, with the funds directed toward infrastructure development, such as roads, parks, and water supply systems. Although these changes are not immediately enforceable, the Supreme Court has cautioned that such adjustments could lead to problems in the future. Legal experts have expressed concerns that the relaxation may be exploited, as it contradicts previous court rulings and promises made to protect citizens’ rights and safety. BBMP officials have clarified that these changes will not be implemented until the Supreme Court lifts the stay on the Act. The impact of these changes on Bengaluru’s urban landscape and citizen safety remains uncertain.