Bengaluru: End of mixed neighbourhoods?
One week not enough to move illegal shops out of residential areas'
Bengaluru: While some civic activists welcome the December 6 BBMP notice asking commercial units operating illegally in residential areas to move out, a trade activist complains the week’s time given to them is too short to find alternative accommodation.
Pointing out that mobility is a big issue in the city, Mr Vijayan Menon, member of Citizens Action Forum, who has been fighting against the presence of commercial units in residential areas since 2007 , says once these illegal establishments move out, city planning will improve.
“This step will have great impact on the city, which is known for its traffic snarls and help the authorities plan it better,” he said, also noting that besides hampering proper development of the city, these illegal commercial units were causing a huge revenue loss to the BBMP by not paying taxes.
“If all the illegal commercial units shift to commercial areas, the authorities can plan with greater clarity,” he maintained.
But trade activist, Sajjanraj Mehta protests that the one week given to these establishments to shut down and find alternative space is simply not enough. “ Officials should hold a meeting with these establishments and discuss what best can be done," he argued.
When contacted, chairman of the BBMP’s taxation and finance committee, Gunashekar said a meeting was planned in the coming week under the chairmanship of BBMP Commissioner, Manjunath Prasad to discuss the action plan on the notice given and how to take it forward.
"Under the Revised Master Plan 2015 for the city and a high court order, commercial units cannot run in residential areas, which can have only small establishments like a milk booth or a saloon. So these illegal commercial units must either close down or face action," he said.