Bengaluru PG Murder Highlights Safety and Regulatory Concerns

Representatives from the Bengaluru PG Owners’ Association have raised alarms about the prevalence of illegal PGs, estimating that nearly 60% of these establishments in the city operate without proper licenses. According to association secretary Sukhi Seo, the high demand for affordable housing leads many operators to convert small residential properties into PGs illegally. This practice not only circumvents regulatory oversight but also compromises the safety of residents, as many operators manage multiple properties remotely without adequate supervision.

Community Impact and Regulatory Gaps

Citizen activist Sandeep Anirudhan highlighted the broader consequences of illegal PGs on local communities. These establishments exacerbate population density issues, straining essential services such as water supply and sewage management. Moreover, they contribute to traffic congestion and other urban challenges.

Regulatory Challenges

Senior officials from the BBMP acknowledged the difficulty in effectively regulating PGs due to resource constraints. While health inspectors monitor these facilities and respond to complaints, identifying and overseeing every illegal PG remains a daunting task.

Security Measures and Collaborative Efforts

In response to growing concerns, Bengaluru City police have collaborated with PG owners to enhance security measures. Guidelines issued earlier this year mandate stricter visitor entry logs and verification processes for residents. However, Additional Commissioner of Police, East, Raman Gupta emphasized the inherent challenges in ensuring comprehensive security across the vast number of PGs and residents in the city.

Towards Regulatory Framework

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath underscored the need for comprehensive regulations governing PG accommodations. Currently, there are no specific guidelines on occupancy limits, hygiene standards, or safety protocols, leading to issues with cleanliness and security. Girinath indicated that efforts are underway to introduce basic regulatory frameworks as part of the approval process for PG trade licenses.

This tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stringent regulations and heightened accountability to safeguard residents in PG accommodations across Bengaluru.