Bengaluru: The East Corporation under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has instructed its engineering teams to launch a crackdown on unauthorised constructions, setting an ambitious target of demolishing at least one illegal building per week in each of its eight divisions.
The directions were issued by Snehal Sudhakar Lokhande, Additional Commissioner (Development), during a coordination meeting held on Monday, with a focus on improving urban accountability and infrastructure monitoring.
Weekly demolition drive against unauthorised buildings
Officials were told to ensure strict action against illegal constructions, which have proliferated across residential and commercial zones in recent years. The GBA aims to carry out eight demolitions every week — one in each division — as part of a systematic drive to enforce compliance with building norms.
Mr. Lokhande directed the engineering teams to submit division-wise reports on violations, demolition progress, and action taken against repeat offenders. “Encroachment and unauthorised structures are a major challenge to planned development. The new initiative will ensure consistency in enforcement,” he said.
Civil works to be digitally mapped for transparency
In a major move towards data-driven urban management, Mr. Lokhande instructed officials to categorise all civil works under GBA East into three groups — completed, ongoing, and yet to be undertaken.
A digital colour-coded map will soon be prepared to visually present the status of these works, enabling real-time monitoring by senior officials.
Senior officers to conduct daily inspections
The corporation’s top leadership — including the Commissioner, Additional Commissioners, and Chief Engineer — will now begin daily ward inspections to track development activities and issue on-ground directions.
According to officials, this fixed inspection schedule is expected to improve accountability, reduce delays, and ensure adherence to civic standards across the eight divisions.
New workshop for engineers under restructured department
Mr. Lokhande also announced that a workshop for all engineers will soon be organised to clarify technical and administrative aspects of the newly formed Engineering Department.
This department will oversee the development and maintenance of arterial and sub-arterial roads, major roads, lakes, and storm-water drains across divisions.
“The goal is to streamline the process and ensure engineers are fully aligned with new operational guidelines,” he added.
Digital tracking of civic works through apps
During the meeting, officials were directed to record the status of road and pothole repair works using platforms such as BTP Astram, Raste Gundi Gamana App, and Sahaaya App.
They have also been instructed to upload completed work details online, ensuring better coordination between field teams and central monitoring units.
Officials said this digital tracking mechanism would allow the public to verify the status of civic works in their wards, improving transparency and citizen engagement.
With these measures, the East Corporation aims to reinforce its commitment to planned urban growth, illegal construction control, and real-time project management — issues that continue to dominate Bengaluru’s civic landscape.