BBMP demolishes house built on secondary drain in Basaveshwara Nagar, another owner voluntarily demolishes leaning building

BENGALURU: After the Babusapalya collapse of an under-construction building, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike(BBMP) has taken swift action against several unauthorised buildings on the verge of collapse.

Following the BBMP warning, a building owner voluntarily took up demolition of a leaning structure in Nanjappa Garden, Mahadevapura zone, Horamavu, at an estimated cost of Rs 8 lakh using manual labour.

The owner of the building, Puttappa, had constructed a 6-storey building on a 10×25-foot plot. Nearby residents have been shifted elsewhere over safety concerns. The demolition work has begun manually, starting from the fifth floor. It may take around two days. The BBMP officials have strictly instructed the owner to update them on the progress and clear the debris.

Earlier, the BBMP had ordered the owner to demolish the building, warning of criminal charges if they failed to comply. Due to the presence of adjacent homes, workers are carefully dismantling the building using hammers and other manual tools. Once the upper portion is cleared, JCB machines will be used to complete the demolition.

Meanwhile, the BBMP demolished a three-story building constructed on a secondary drain on Kamala Nagar 3rd Cross Road in Basaveshwara Nagar soon after Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s strict warning of clearing of Rajakaluve encroachments. Residents of eight houses have been shifted to a community centre. The house, built 25 years ago by Thimmappa, is being demolished using excavators to avoid disturbing neighbouring homes. The BBMP officials are stationed at the site.

MLA Gopalaiah said that the BBMP personnel have to clear the electric cables; after that  demolition will begin. The 25-year-old building’s water tank has collapsed completely, and the ground floor is weakened, posing a risk of collapse.

Gopalaiah urged the government to provide compensation to the low-income families who own the building, citing their right to rehabilitation. Thimmappa’s three-story building, measuring 8×36 feet, was constructed on leased land.

Owner of the Kamalanagar building, Thimmappa, said, “I have a Rs 10 lakh loan and leased it for Rs 4 lakh. I don’t know what to do. There is no other way except consuming poison. The BBMP had given permission for the building and I have all the documents. Now, they’re demolishing the building”.

A tenant, Mageshwari, recounted, “When I returned home at 6 pm yesterday, people were gathered outside, warning us not to enter as the house was on the verge of collapse. We removed our belongings and are temporarily staying at the nearby temple. We are on a lease of Rs 4 lakh. We are in difficulty”.

Thimmappa and Mageshwari are seeking assistance and compensation amidst this crisis.