Dumping construction material on footpath? Pay up, says BMP

Dumping construction material on footpath? Pay up, says BMP
Vijay Times

Persons undertaking construction work may think twice before dumping construction material on footpaths or roads before starting work.

The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has cracked the whip against those who stock such material on footpaths and roads. It has collected a fine amounting to Rs 26 lakh from residents who had done so over the last four months, starting from April.

Despite obtaining permission and authorisation from the BMP for the purpose of construction, building owners have been slapped with the fine on grounds of stocking the material on footpaths. The BMP contends, stocking construction material obstructs movement of pedestrians and vehicles on footpaths and roads respectively.

In some cases, the BMP has fined citizens for also dumping debris on footpaths, despite the BMPs strict warning against it.

The BMP has collected the maximum fine of Rs 17,33,880 from East division, while West and South divisions contributed Rs 4.36 lakh and 4.98 lakh respectively. A senior BMP engineer, speaking to Vijay Times, said that the footpaths could be utilised only for a day for purpose of transporting construction material. If not cleared within a day, as per the Karnataka Municipal Council (KMC) Act, fines or administrative charges could be levied. "Stocking of construction materials on footpaths, arterial and sub-arterial roads, creates traffic congestion and obstructs pedestrian movement. To put an end to this, administration charges will be levied," the engineer added.

But are the residents happy? Srinath B, a resident of Chamarajpet IV Main, questions, while undertaking construction, where can the material be kept? When the building plan is sanctioned, stocking of construction material should be allowed atleast until completion of construction, he said. Ramesh Naidu, a resident of Jayanagar, said the BMP levies fines according to their whims and fancies. Nobody knows where the funds go and how they are utilised. Fines should be imposed only for dumping debris, he said.