BBMP gives the go-by to green law

BBMP gives the go-by to green law
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has given clearance for construction of a mall and an apartment complex, despite the fact that the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has initiated criminal proceedings against the builders for violation of environmental law.

Recently, in reply to a starred question by MLA Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli, the government said that 19 major projects on the city outskirts have not obtained consent certificates from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board as required by law.

The Board has filed criminal cases on 17 of them but has failed to stop construction of the said projects.

Two projects, Maitri Mall in Malleswaram by Hamara Shelters and another by Fire Bricks and Potteries on Tumkur Road, are sanctioned by Palike. BBMP building bylaw demand that clearances from various departments must be produced before commencement of construction but Palike has issued commencement certificates overlooking it.

When this website’s newspaper asked him to explain the lapse, BBMP joint director, town planning S S Topagi said that he allowed the construction as he had faith in the builders.

„I am sure the builders would produce the clearance before the buildings are occupied. The builders have invested huge money and they are responsible people,’’ he said.

Can Palike withdraw commencement certificates as KSPCB has filed criminal charges on the builders under Water Act? „KSPCB has not written to me in this regard,’’ said Topagi.

Other projects facing criminal charges under Water Act include Purva Belmont on Kanakapura Road, HM World City in Uttarahalli, Sri Prakruthi in Byatarayanapura, Athashri Paranjape Scheme in Whitefield, SJR Brooklyn at KR Puram, Purva Elita at Kothanur, Purva Sunshine on Sarjapura Road, VR Eco Projects in Varthur, Ittnia Anu in Whitefield, KHB Surya City near Chandapura, Janapriya Nivas in Chikkalasandra;

Bharat Enclave on Magadi Main Road, Janapriya Heights on Hesaraghatta Road, Diamond Enclave on Hesaraghatta Road, Bindu Anmol on Nagarabhavi Main Road, Ajmera Housing Project on Bannerghatta road and Fire Bricks and Potteries Project on Tumkur Road.