BBMP to owners: Keep empty plots tidy or else

Bengaluru: Those owing empty plots will have to ensure that they remain clean or be ready to cough up hefty fines.

BBMP would identify plots, which are filled with weeds or garbage, and penalise the owners. Repeat offenders will be fined up to Rs 1 lakh.

Empty spaces in the city often turn into dumping spots, and this affects the neighbourhood. Those living nearby complain of stench and mosquitoes.

Residents complain that though they have brought it to notice of land owners, but nothing has been done.

Now, BBMP will start identifying such places and issue notices to the owner and even impose a fine. The public can also complain to the BBMP about such empty plots that have turned into illegal garbage dumps.

A senior BBMP officer said, “This is a common practice in the city. If there is empty space or a vacant residential plot, people start throwing garbage. This was brought to our notice and we have decided to start penalising the land owner for not maintaining the place.”

He added that it is the owner’s duty to keep the empty plot clean and free from weeds. “Everyone falsely assumes that it is the duty of the BBMP to clean empty residential plots. The owner should ensure that no garbage is dumped and the weeds removed frequently,” he said.

Another officer said they have started issuing a circular to all the BBMP offices and told them to take  photographs of dark spots and send them to their superiors, who will identify the land owner and issue a notice, telling them to clear it in a stipulated time.

“If the place is not cleaned even after that time, then we will impose penalty of Rs 25,000 to and repeat offenders will be penalised up to Rs 1 lakh. We will soon start imposing fines. This way we can keep a check on garbage dumping in public spaces,” the officer added.