Build illegally, then get regularized

Relief for illegal property owners
Urban DC Moots One-Time Regularisation To Boost 7 CMCs’ Finances
The Times of India

Bangalore: In one of the biggest regularisation drives in Bangalore’s history, the Urban deputy commissioner has suggested legalising a whopping 1.18 lakh illegal properties located in the seven City Municipal Councils (CMC) around Bangalore.

The proposal, which has mooted one-time regularisation with a cut-off date and compounding fee, is expected to get the cabinet nod shortly. The move, apart from benefiting the owners, will also mop up revenue for the CMCs since it involves compounding fee as well as other levies such as khata fee, conversion charges and betterment fee.

It may be recalled that in 1996, the government had issued an order to the CMCs to issue holder khatas to properties which are situated on non-alienated agricultural lands or properties without approvals. This move was aimed at generating some revenue for the CMCs. The government withdrew its order in 2003 and banned holder khatas as they were being misused.

Since then, nearly 1.18 lakh illegal properties have been languishing without titles. “We have suggested that a one-time regularisation of these properties be mooted with a cut-off date so that the properties can get clear titles. This also strengthens municipal finances. Compounding fee will be levied depending on the area of the site,’’ Bangalore urban DC M A Sadiq told The Times of India.

Earlier, a cabinet subcommittee set up to look into the regularisation of unauthorised buildings in Bangalore city had also suggested a similar move. But it was struck down by the governor. To further strengthen the municipalities’ coffers, government is contemplating remitting the building licence fee to the CMCs which are currently being collected by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).

The CMCs have been empowered to sanction plans for buildings up to three floors, and beyond that it comes to BDA. However, the BDA does not remit the building licence fee levied on plan sanctions to the CMCs.

Types of encroachment
In an ongoing survey, Bangalore Urban deputy commissioner’s office has identified large-scale encroachment of revenue lands in BCC, BDA and CMC areas falling under Bangalore east, north, south, Anekal and Yelahanka taluks.

According to Bangalore Urban DC M A Saadique, the exercise began in July and will cover 57,606 acres comprising 3,677 survey numbers coming under the above three jurisdictions. Till October 10, officials have completed surveying 26,286 acres, of which 3,011 acres have been encroached upon. The encroachments are in the form of sheds, a few multistoreyed buildings, illegal layouts, hotels, farms and parks. Shortly, officials will begin removing the encroachments, and either auction the lands or allot them to other government institutions.

WIN-WIN SITUATION

• Suggestion to legalise a whopping 1.18 lakh illegal properties located in 7 CMC areas.

• The move may soon get cabinet nod.

• Apart from benefiting the owners, the drive will also mop up revenue for CMCs.

• The revenue involves compounding fee and other levies like khata fee, conversion charges and betterment fee.