Banashankari’s SPACE JAM

Banashankari’s SPACE JAM
From a cluster of hamlets to an in-demand area, Banashankari is seeing a lot of action on the real estate front. While residents accept that this has its advantages, unregulated growth has them worried
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Once a little-known cluster of hamlets, Banashankari is now a sought-after area. But dizzying development has brought in its wake problems associated with rapid commercialization — unregulated growth and non-enforcement of rules.
Effective space on the broad roads has shrunk with cars and two-wheelers parked on every inch of vacant space on either side. The area’s lanes can barely accommodate four-wheelers and footpaths are occupied, too. Pedestrians and motorists jostle for space amid piles of uncleared garbage.
Vexed residents and local residents welfare associations are now up in arms over the increasing anarchy of urban occupation. They demand immediate attention and regularization of building plans and parking rules.
“Rapid growth and development have taken their toll in most parts of Bangalore. We accept this as inevitable, but demand enforcement of some sort of regularization at least now,’’ says N K Srikantiah, president of the Banashankari Residents Welfare Association.
He brings to attention 24th Cross, a residential area that has been converted into commercial space under the 2015 Comprehensive Development Plan. Several commercial complexes — many in violation of building bylaws — have also come up in the residential area of Banashankari II Stage, Srikantiah points out. There’s no space for parking even on interior lanes, which have been taken over by heavy traffic.
“We probably have the maximum number of ‘No Parking’ boards but they haven’t brought relief,’’ he complains, adding that what they want is not a mass demolition campaign but a sustained regularization drive that begins much before the building plan is approved.
The members explain that the BBMP must restrict deviations at the construction stage itself. After completion, if any deviations are found to be within permissible limits, penalty must be collected and occupancy certificate issued instead of resorting to demolition. In this regard, they also welcome the policy of Akrama Sakrama. “Unfortunately, it is yet to see the light of day,’’ the residents complain.
Talking about the controversy over property tax system, they insist that the existing system of SAS be modified with an increase of 5-10%. And for those who have paid tax on the basis of ARV in 2006, it should be adjusted in the current year’s tax to be paid as per SAS, they say.
The association is also upset over irregular garbage disposal and lack of road maintenance. “Whenever we approach a BBMP official or an engineer in this regard, the common reply we get is that they are occupied with piled-up RTI cases and need to provide answers to them,’’ B C Jayaram, association secretary, told TOI.