BENGALURU: A building owner on MN Krishna Rao Road in Basavanagudi has been fined Rs.1 lakh by BBMP for illegally installing a ramp on a public footpath, obstructing pedestrian movement. The ramp, constructed as part of a building under construction at Property No. 16, had completely encroached upon the footpath and was covered with green netting, making it unusable for pedestrians.
Acting on complaints, BBMP officials inspected the site and confirmed the encroachment. The ramp, instead of being restricted to private property, extended over the entire width of the pedestrian walkway, forcing people onto the road. The violation came under scrutiny after BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath recently instructed officials to double penalties and issue notices to property owners misusing public spaces without prior approval.
Following these directions, Chief Engineer (South Zone) Basavaraj Kabade ordered a field inspection. Based on the report, a notice was issued to the property owner, along with a penalty of Rs.1 lakh. The building owner has since submitted a cheque addressed to the BBMP Chief Commissioner. Officials have warned him against repeating such violations, stressing that public convenience must not be compromised by private construction activities.
In a related development, three BBMP officials from the Mahalakshmipuram sub-division in the West Zone have been relieved of their duties for alleged negligence. The disciplinary action follows their repeated failure to address civic complaints and comply with instructions issued during zonal review meetings.
During review sessions on July 1 and 2, 2025, officials were directed to register complaints from residents on the Sahaaya 2.0 platform and ensure timely resolution. These instructions were reiterated in formal proceedings dated July 14. However, during an early morning inspection by the Chief Commissioner in Ward 102 (Vrushabhavathinagar), several lapses came to light — including pothole-filled roads, garbage accumulation, and obstructed footpaths due to demolition debris.
Despite repeated complaints, no visible action was taken on the Sahaaya platform, prompting the administration to view the inaction as a lack of seriousness and accountability. The three officials were relieved from their posts with immediate effect.
