RT Nagar BDA complex on chopping block

RT Nagar BDA complex on chopping block

A new building will be constructed to house BDA offices and have more parking space and other facilities

DEEPTHI M R



The BDA Complex in RT Nagar, the hub of activity in the area, is set to bite the dust. The 20-year-old structure, which houses 63 stalls, will be razed to house new offices of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).
BDA sources said the occupants have been told the building is too weak. They have also been issued notices to vacate the building at the earliest.
The notice has come as a shock to the 50-odd traders in the complex. Some of the traders told Bangalore Mirror that a search for a new place would mean more investment.
A trader said, “I received it (the notice) a few days ago and it says the BDA has decided to demolish the complex. It says the complex building has become weak and cannot house any stalls. Our stall has been in the complex for the last 18 years. If they ask us to suddenly vacate the complex, where will we go?”
He said when the traders went to the BDA commissioner’s office, the staff did not entertain them and asked them to take prior appointment for meeting him.
Another stall owner said, “We are neither agitating nor do we plan to stage any protest. All that we want to know is whether the commissioner has made any alternative arrangements for us.”
Clarifying the issue, BDA Commissioner H Siddaiah said, “No alternative arrangements are being made for the traders.”
He said, “Our complexes are revenue-generating sources and we are exploiting that potential by building new complexes. Besides the RT Nagar complex, we have identified complexes at Austin Town and Indiranagar for demolition as they have outlived their span of life. They are 20-30 years old.”
He said it will take at least six months to one year for the RT Nagar project to begin. “The only way we can help the traders is by giving them enough time to vacate the place. We are planning to build a better complex with enough parking space and other facilities,” the BDA chief said.
BDA’s engineering department member Srinivas said, “The decision (to raze the complex) has been taken to renovate the building. However, there are a lot of procedures that need to be followed. We have yet to speak to the commissioner and obtain his permission.”
He, however, said nothing can be taken up until elections are over. “We are contemplating housing some of our offices in the new building. Once the approval is given, we will prepare a detailed project report and subsequently, tenders and drawings would be called for.”