Bengaluru: From being a quiet neighbourhood, the bylanes linking Indiranagar 100 feet and 80 feet roads have now become chaotic, thanks to a rapid increase in commercial activity. The residents allege this is a clear violation of revised Master Plan. With numerous software companies, restaurants, eateries, spas and pubs coming up on these roads, the area is facing an acute traffic and parking problem, in addition to garbage pile ups.
Today, Indiranagar’s 100 feet and 80 feet road is a hotbed of commercial activity, its almost like any other Central Business District. Rewinding to five years ago, these commercial spaces were few and far between. The multiple bylanes intersecting the 100 feet road were residential localities, just like those in Jayanagar or Malleswaram.
All this has transformed into rows of software companies operating out of houses, restaurants, eateries, spas and pubs. Residences have been eased into the background.
“All the commercial activity is a clear zonal transgression, violating the revised Master Plan. There is an overflow of traffic because of employees in these offices and shops. Everyone tries to find a parking space, right in front. Just imagine 25 employees, their clients, 30 bikes on a 40 foot road. They give out more garbage than residents. Not to mention, the old 7-inch sewage pipes get overburdened. It is a mix of many problems,” said Praveen, Secretary of Indiranagar 2nd Stage league.
“Near my house, there is a logistics company with many vehicles parked, starting its activity at 2 am. Residents feel like leaving this area. On Fridays and weekends, the noise is deafening and we can't even step out. At 1 am the pubs shut down, after which all the intoxicated pub-hoppers begin their after party, howling and laughing in front of our houses. I risk my safety to go scream at the drunk men, because I want my little one and senior citizen parents to sleep in peace,” said Swarna Venkataraman, Vice President of Indiranagar 1st stage league.
The commercial expansion started one-and-a-half year ago, followed by repeated complaints from residents. They said the RTIs they filed revealed that these businesses did not have trade licenses. When brought to the notice of the AEE, they circulated notices to the businesses, not specifying eviction and thereby having no effect. The lackadaisical attitude of the BBMP has left the multiple resident welfare associations, with no option but to look at legal remedies.
It will take four months to get solved: Satish, Assistant Engineer, Ward 80
DC spoke to Satish, Assistant Engineer, Ward 80
Commercial establishments have violated residential spaces for the past one-and-a-half years. Why nothing has been done?
The health officer is responsible for approving or canceling trade licences of vendors. The problem may have been there longer but I joined only in January. The engineering department has issued the first round of notices, asking the businesses if they have permission to be there or not. They are yet to respond.
Residents say they had informed the AEE about this being a zonal violation according to the revised Master Plan.
The residents will keep complaining using the Master Plan as proof. But as per the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, in 40-feet roads, commercial spaces are allowed to operate. We just cannot shut them down without sufficient proof. They would go to court seeking stay order, which we will have to counter.
Residents say, the RTIs state that these traders do not have licences.
I am not aware if they have trade licences or not. The in-charge AEE has to give us orders accordingly. The health officer also joined only a month ago and he has to contact the traders regarding their licence.
What can be done and how long will it take?
We issued the first notice a month back. Now we have to check the provisions in the KMC Act. We have to also seek legal advice on what kind of notice should be issued the second time. Once that is done, the establishments will be given seven days to shut down. If they refuse, we will freeze it ourselves. After the festival is over, we will work on this. The problem will take 3 to 4 months to be solved.
