Crumbling Safety Standards in Whitefield’s PG Accommodations

Whitefield, Bengaluru — Whitefield, a bustling IT hub in Bengaluru, faces a growing crisis as unauthorized Paying Guest (PG) accommodations proliferate, raising serious safety concerns. Constructed on small, divided land parcels with minimal space between them, these PGs are becoming potential fire hazards.

Unchecked Growth and Safety Issues Areas like Prashant Layout, White Rose Layout, D’Silva Layout, Upkar Layout, and Nallurhalli Road are witnessing a surge in illegal PG constructions. Many of these buildings, designed just under the 21-meter height threshold to bypass fire safety regulations, house hundreds of young professionals in cramped conditions. For instance, Prashanth Layout, once a peaceful residential area, now accommodates an estimated 25,000 PG residents, severely straining local infrastructure and amenities.

Residents’ Plight and Safety Concerns The lack of space has led many PG residents to spend time outside their accommodations, contributing to increased late-night activity and noise. Local businesses, including illegal shops and hotels, have sprung up, exacerbating the problem. The narrow roads in these areas pose a significant obstacle for emergency services, heightening the risk of a catastrophic fire.

Legal Loopholes and Inaction The Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2023, mandates fire safety clearances for buildings over 21 meters, but many PGs are deliberately built just below this limit to evade these regulations. Activists and residents, including Koshy Varghese and Sandeep Anirudhan, have raised alarms about these loopholes, emphasizing the risk of a disaster similar to the Kuwait fire tragedy.

BBMP’s Limited Control The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) acknowledges its limited jurisdiction over these developments, which often fall under revenue layouts and are not approved by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). Despite recognizing the problem, BBMP has yet to implement effective measures to address the illegal constructions.

Looking Ahead The situation in Whitefield remains dire, with each new PG building adding to the community’s risk. Efforts by local activists continue, but with slow government action, the threat of a major disaster looms large.

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