Locals urge action to protect green spaces

JP Nagar 8th Phase residents demand BBMP to address park encroachments under Revised Master Plan 2015

Residents of JP Nagar 8th Phase are concerned about the safety of green spaces designated for parks in the Revised Master Plan (RMP) 2015, prepared by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA). They urge the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to protect these green spaces and prevent encroachment in the area.

The residents claimed that some open spaces reserved for parks have been encroached upon by private individuals, yet the BBMP has not taken action to protect these public areas. They were shocked to see workers cleaning a site that was meant to be a park.

The members of Arya Hamsa Apartment Owners Cooperative Society Limited, JP Nagar 8th Phase, Gottigere wrote a letter on October 29 to the Bommanahalli Zonal Commissioner and the Assistant Executive Engineer of Gottigere ward requesting them to investigate the matter and verify whether the ongoing construction or completed structures in the said area are in compliance with the zoning regulations and land use as per the RMP 2015.

“We have complained to the BBMP authorities. We expect them to protect the land meant for parks,’’ said Sharath Charati, a resident.

Demanding the BBMP authorities to safeguard the spaces reserved for the public, Vishwas Avathi, a resident, said that he found some people clearing the site meant for a park. “The BBMP engineer visited the spot and assured us to look into the matter. We want the authorities to protect and safeguard green spaces reserved for a park,’’ said Vishwas Avathi.

Expressing a similar opinion, Vilasini Krishna, a resident said the BBMP authorities have to take measures as per the RMP 2015. “We are expecting the BBMP to fix this issue without any delay,’’ she said.

A resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it has become a habit for some people to encroach on land meant for civic amenities or parks. “I believe that the BBMP ward engineer has to inspect the ward once a month to keep a vigil on encroachers and construction of illegal buildings. The BBMP engineers have to verify documents of those claiming ownership of the land,’’ the resident said.

BBMP engineer visited the spot and assured us to look into the matter. We want authorities to safeguard green spaces– Vishwas A, resident

Meanwhile, BBMP Assistant Executive Engineer Sachin said that he has already directed the people working on the site to produce the documents. “A person, claiming to be the owner of the site said that he has availed a building plan to commence the construction. I directed him to produce a copy of the building plan. He said that he will produce the document soon. I am waiting for him to produce the required documents,’’ he said.