Deputy CM DK Shivakumar announced a strict crackdown on illegal constructions in Bengaluru, revealing that artificial intelligence will be deployed to detect unauthorized building expansions. “Many owners have constructed extra floors without approval and are not paying proportionate taxes,” he stated after a BBMP budget review meeting.

Highlighting tax evasion on nearly 7 lakh properties, Shivakumar noted that 1 lakh had been brought under the tax bracket, with efforts ongoing to cover the remaining. He emphasized a new law granting BBMP the power to seize illegal properties and announced that private roads in layouts would now be designated as public roads.

The government also plans to suspend BBMP officials colluding with illegal property owners. “All properties must pay taxes—no exceptions,” he asserted. Additionally, property classifications may be revised to distinguish between group and single housing units.

From April, property documents will be digitized, and a doorstep khata service will be launched to ease registration. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in collaboration with MLAs.

BBMP is also pursuing ₹390 crore in unpaid taxes from 1.73 lakh chronic defaulters, with over 3.49 lakh property owners failing to clear dues.