Bengaluru: Panic gripped residents of Venkatapura, Koramangala I Block, on Friday after a five-storey building, raised illegally on a small 15×50 ft (750 sq ft) site, tilted dangerously to its right side. The bright-yellow structure, surrounded by tightly packed houses and located on a narrow 20ft-wide road, posed a serious threat of collapse.
Built on weak foundation and against rules
According to officials of the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), now Great Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the structure stood on weak and narrow pillars, with cracks already visible in its foundation. Locals said the building, intended for inauguration soon and to be converted into a paying guest accommodation, appeared ready to collapse at any moment.
Only two-storey buildings are permitted in the area, making the five-storey construction a blatant violation of building by-laws. Despite a stop-work order being issued, the owner continued construction, completing carpentry, plumbing, and electrical works.
Notices ignored, violations piled up
The lapses were first flagged during a ward inspection in Jakkasandra (Ward 173). A notice was issued on August 2, 2024, under Section 313 of the BBMP Act, 2020, after the owner Shanthamma, wife of Lakshman, failed to produce sanctioned plans. The building was declared unauthorised, and a stop-work order was served.
Despite repeated warnings, the owner did not halt work. On September 13, 2024, she admitted to poor construction quality and sought more time to demolish the structure under an architect’s supervision. However, no demolition was attempted, and instead finishing works were hastened.
Temporary fixes, growing risks
At one point, the owner attempted to reinforce the walls with iron rods, but engineers noted this was only a temporary measure that highlighted the fragility of the structure. The cracks widened, increasing the threat to neighbouring houses, many of which stand only a few feet away.
Residents expressed their fear, with one saying, “We’ve been living in constant fear. Even the demolition could endanger our houses since the site is barely a few feet away.”
Immediate demolition ordered
Following the worsening tilt, the assistant executive engineer of Koramangala sub-division, GBA South, authorised urgent demolition under strict safety measures. Police personnel from Madiwala station were deployed at the site, and a backhoe was brought in to begin the process.
Demolition work began on Friday afternoon and is expected to conclude by Monday. Ramesh KN, commissioner, Bengaluru South City Corporation, said the owner had ignored notices and delayed demolition. “Minimising the possible impact, our engineers have placed jacks for additional support of the building,” he added.
Conclusion
The incident once again highlights Bengaluru’s rampant building law violations, with unauthorised constructions continuing to endanger lives. Civic authorities say stricter enforcement and penalties are needed to prevent such violations from recurring.