Bengaluru: Experts and politicians are divided over whether the decision to create five new municipal corporations under Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will ensure balanced development or deepen disparities in the state’s capital. Many believe Bengaluru North and East corporations are poised for rapid economic and geographical expansion, driven by strong IT sector tax revenues, sprawling apartment complexes, and commercial growth, while others may lag. Deputy CM and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar appeared to support this view, saying more areas could be added to these corporations later. “More areas need to be added to Bengaluru North as the potential for growth is massive,” he said. “Same is the case with Mahadevapura, Electronics City, Yelahanka and Tumakuru. Additions will be considered at a later stage.” However, there are growing concerns about stagnation in Bengaluru Central and West, which some fear may struggle economically. Comparisons are being drawn to Delhi’s former municipal corporations, which were split and later merged after financial failures. Surrounded by four other corporations, Central is seen as having little room for geographical growth, while West corporation could face challenges due to poorer and smaller panchayats in its jurisdiction. “We do understand that with Central corporation, there will be no geographical growth and taxation possibilities could stagnate,” said Rizwan Arshad, Shivajinagar Congress MLA and GBA house committee chairman. “But we are certain the govt will consider innovative and fresh avenues of tax collection.” Arshad pointed out that GBA Act mandates state support to ensure no corporation fails. “If you look at the Delhi model, it failed purely because its three municipal corporations did not have a clause stating the state govt will rescue it if there is a revenue deficit,” he said. “Delhi also did not have a coordination policy between the three corporations and parastatal bodies like solid waste management board, water and sewerage board, electricity supply company, development authority etc.” Uday Garudachar, BJP’s Chickpet MLA, voiced cautious optimism, while acknowledging concerns over sustainability. “Setting up and sustaining five new corporations will require large sums of money. While our deputy CM is quite confident, we must wait and watch,” he said. Urban infrastructure experts argue that fears of lopsided growth are premature and that the GBA structure may outperform Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). “Each of the five corporations have their own strengths in generating revenue and making themselves viable,” said V Ravichandar, member of Brand Bengaluru committee that authored the GBA. “In fact, what we could see is corporations having healthy competition in terms of trying to provide better infrastructure for citizens.” He said that while North and East may have geographical advantages, Central could leverage its infrastructure to boost revenue. “And in case of a deficit, each of these corporations may secure state assistance as has been the case till date even under BBMP,” Ravichandar said.
