Bengaluru: A five-storey structure raised illegally on 15×50 ft (750sqft) site — which is an advertisement for multiple building law violations, and slapped with a stop-work order — tilted dangerously to its right side on Friday, sending a wave of panic in the area packed with tightly-built residential structures in Venkatapura, Koramangala I Block.Only two-storey structures are allowed in this area, which has a 20ft-wide road. The bright-yellow building is surrounded by residential blocks on all sides.The structure, according to BBMP officials, stood on weak, narrow pillars, with cracks already appearing in its foundation. Locals said the building — ready for inauguration and set to be converted into a PG accommodation — looked ready to collapse any day.Fearing disaster, the owner reinforced the walls of the building with iron rods, a temporary measure that eventually underscored its fragility.The erstwhile BBMP (now Great Bengaluru Authority, GBA) first flagged the lapses in construction during a ward inspection in Jakkasandra (Ward 173). Subsequently, a notice was issued to the owner on Aug 2, 2024, under Section 313 of BBMP Act, 2020. However, when the owner Shanthamma, wife of Lakshman, failed to furnish valid documents, including the sanctioned plans, the civic officials declared the construction unauthorised, besides issuing a stop-work order under multiple provisions of the same Act.Worse, the owner continued with the construction by taking up carpentry, plumbing, and electrical works at the building. The owner turned up before the civic officials on Sept 13, 2024, admitting to poor quality of construction and sought time to demolish the building under an architect’s supervision, citing the risk of damaging adjoining houses. In response to the owner’s request, BBMP deferred action. However, subsequent inspections showed no demolition efforts; instead, finishing works were being fast-tracked.Admitting to cracks in the foundation, the owner sought permission on Aug 25 to demolish the building. Yet, there were no efforts made until Friday. The assistant executive engineer of Koramangala sub-division, GBA South, authorised immediate demolition under strict safety measures.Gripped by fear, a resident from the vicinity told TOI, “We’ve been living in constant fear. Even the demolition could endanger our houses since the site is barely a few feet away.” Police from Madiwala station and a backhoe are at the spot as the owner was said to be making arrangements to bring down the building. Demolition, which started by Friday afternoon, is expected to be completed by Monday.Ramesh KN, commissioner, Bengaluru South City corporation, said the owner hasn’t responded to notices, besides delaying demolition. “Minimising the possible impact, our engineers have placed jacks for additional support of the building,” he added.
