Governance

In the first part of this series, we explored the legal and practical challenges faced by apartment owners and associations and the need for clarity about the legislations that govern apartment ownership in Karnataka. Part 2 focuses on frequently asked questions about the registration of apartment associations and takes a closer look at the regulatory landscape in the State. There is a general confusion in Karnataka about the legislation under which apartment owners' associations must be registered. Although the Karnataka Ownership Act, 1972 (KAOA, 1972) provides for registration of owners' associations, it does not mandate such registrations or prescribe any…

Malar, a widowed pensioner resettled to Perumbakkam by the State government, had to reapply for her benefits after they were discontinued due to her address change. Despite gathering the necessary documents and reapplying for the National Social Assistance Pension Scheme (NSAP), her application was rejected because the eligibility criteria had changed since she first enrolled. The NSAP, implemented by the Revenue Department, provides monetary support to elderly, differently-abled, and widowed individuals below the poverty line. Funds are allocated at the taluk level, and recipients must reside within the same jurisdiction to access benefits. The Revenue Department ensures that pensions are…

Once celebrated as the 'Garden City' for its lush greenery and rich biodiversity, Bengaluru is grappling with the realities of urbanisation. Now, residents struggle to find a spot of shade amidst the onslaught of concretisation. An Indian Institute of Science (IISc) study suggests that Bengaluru has lost a staggering 80% of its forest cover since the 1970s. Trees are the first casualties of the rapid development and mega-construction projects of Bengaluru. That's why conducting a tree census in the city is crucial. Such an exercise regulates tree felling and helps monitor tree health, assess species diversity, and inform resilient urban…

“A democracy masterclass is brewing in North Chennai, where children are showing the way for the 200 ward councillors of the Greater Chennai Corporation,” says Charu Govindan, Founder and Convener at Voice of People. For around six years, her collective has advocated for Area Sabhas, which many councillors conveniently skip to avoid meeting the residents.  But Bala Sabhas, led by child councillors in North Chennai for over a year, are pushing for real change. They have prompted the installation of new street lights and barbed wire fencing at a local GCC school in Tondiarpet, for example.  What is a Bala…

At Citizen Matters, we recently published an article by our reporter Gangadharan B, addressing the increased dust pollution caused by Namma Metro construction in Bengaluru. The report explored how certain mitigation measures are not being followed at Namma Metro construction sites, affecting air quality and taking a toll on public health. The report also raised questions on whether the air quality in the construction sites is monitored regularly as per the suggestions of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. While multiple attempts were made to reach out to Bengaluru Metro Rail Construction Limited (BMRCL) before publishing the article, we did…

Perambur, the second oldest railway station in Chennai after Royapuram was taken up for restoration under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at ₹17.86 crores months after the foundation stone was laid on August 6, 2023. The Coimbatore-based contractor, who was initially awarded the tender, backed out for unknown reasons and the contract was retendered and awarded to a different company. The work is currently in progress. According to the original plan, the main railway station building was supposed to be constructed at the extreme west end of the first platform behind the existing parking area and buildings are already under…

The e-khata project of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) digitises all manually maintained property records, making them accessible to citizens. In Part 1 of the two-part series on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Munish Moudgil, BBMP Special Commissioner (Revenue) addressed queries on the digitisation process and other general questions on e-khata. In the second part, we look at property ownership and transaction, technical and portal issues, apartment-specific queries, name/data corrections, and language/format issues. We also examine issues pertaining to non-resident owners and inheritance, ward/location, fees and the process. Property ownership and transactions Q: Can e-khata serve as sole proof of…

The Revenue Department of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) provides a property ownership record, commonly referred to as the BBMP khata. This document serves as the official proof of ownership and is essential for various purposes, including property sales, registration, mortgages, loans, leases, and more. It is effectively the primary document used to establish and verify ownership rights. In an online interview with Citizen Matters, Munish Moudgil, BBMP Special Commissioner (Revenue) spoke in detail about the e-khata project and how it can help property owners. Here is Part 1 of a two-part series on Frequently Asked Questions about e-Khata. What…

The dispute between the fishermen and the more affluent, non-fishing residents of Thiruvanmiyur and Besant Nagar has simmered for years, highlighting tensions over land use, development, and livelihoods. Acting upon the complaint from the residents (non-fishers) in the locality, the GCC demolished the temporary constructions made by the fishers of Thiruvanmiyur Kuppam in June this year. Being less than 40 metres from the coastline, they were termed encroachments. A mainstream news outlet even referred to fishers' construction as ‘beach robbery,’ emphasising concerns that the illegal construction of houses and pathways could lead to the loss of turtle nesting sites and…

Bellandur Lake, Bengaluru’s largest water body, has been at the heart of an ambitious rejuvenation project since 2020. However, persistent delays, severe funding shortages, and inadequate planning have left citizens increasingly frustrated. Time is slipping away, and without immediate government intervention, this critical environmental project risks failing. A recent meeting with government bodies shed light on the project’s stagnation and the urgent steps required to salvage it. Progress so far Desilting Work: Of the estimated 32.33 lakh cubic meters of silt, 22.69 lakh cubic meters (70%) have been removed, leaving 30% unfinished Early monsoons and slushy conditions have delayed progress…