BBMP road widening sparks property disputes

Several property owners in Bengaluru are facing distress after the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued a draft notification on June 18 regarding land acquisition for road widening projects. The move, aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion in the city, has triggered backlash from residents, particularly along key stretches like the ITPL-Hoodi main road.

BBMP plans to acquire land on both sides of certain roads, widening them by 1.5 meters. However, property owners allege irregularities in the process, claiming that BBMP listed outdated names from decades-old RTC records, ignoring current ownership details. Many argue that while the BBMP accepted tax payments and issued khatas in their names, it has now failed to acknowledge their legal ownership in the acquisition notice.

Local residents fear that this could pave the way for another TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) scam. Some allege that BBMP officials might be manipulating ownership records to benefit fake landholders and issue unauthorized TDRs. The issue has created confusion and panic among legitimate property owners who fear losing their long-held assets without proper compensation. Several have expressed concern that the draft notification was issued in haste, potentially violating legal procedures and property rights.

While BBMP defends the move as a step toward improving urban mobility, residents are demanding transparency and fairness. Legal action is likely, as affected owners seek rightful resolution and accountability from the authorities involved in the acquisition process.