GBA conducts inspections of PG accommodations and seals 10, association to hold meeting

BENGALURU: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has launched a crackdown on unauthorised and unsafe Paying Guest (PG) accommodations in Bengaluru. The authorities have sealed 10 PGs in Jayanagar, Bengaluru South, BTM and Bommanahalli constituencies for violating rules and regulations.

The GBA officials conducted inspections at 66 PGs in these areas and found several irregularities, including non-compliance with safety and hygiene norms. The sealed PGs have been imposed a fine of Rs 22,500 each.

The GBA officials also inspected 321 PGs in the central city corporation limits and cancelled the licences of those violating norms. In response, the PG Owners’ Welfare Association has called an emergency meeting to discuss the issue and the steps to be taken.

Association president Arun Kumar said, “A lot of people are keen to start paying guest accommodations and ours is a service industry. Though many are ready to start business, they don’t get proper guidance on the rules to be followed. Also, the licencing norms are very strict and some people may opt for the easy route. To discuss all these issues, we will hold a meeting at the earliest”.

The association, which has around 3,000 registered PGs, aims to deliberate on the rules and regulations, safety, and security measures to be adopted by PG owners. The authorities are also focusing on ensuring that PGs adhere to norms, including proper food and kitchen safety, CCTV installation, and security protocols.

The meeting is expected to discuss ways to address the issue and the decisions taken will be crucial in determining the future of PG operations in Bengaluru.

In a separate operation, the GBA’s solid waste management team raided warehouses in Govindarajanagar and Kamakshipalya, seizing 9.64 metric tons of single-use plastic, which is banned in the city. The owner of the warehouse has been fined Rs 22 lakh.