Karnataka: New zoning norms anger city's RWAs
The residents said the new regulations would regularise bars in residential areas which would increase hooliganism.
Bengaluru: Members of 337 Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) and citizens under the United Bengaluru filed objections on the recent zonal draft notification to the Director of the Country Town Planning and Urban Development Department. The zonal draft regulations, which goes against the master plan 2015, will increase commercialisation in residential areas and rob these areas of peace, they complained.
The United Bengaluru handed over the letter, signed by over 1,000 citizens, asking the Town and Country Planning Department not to act on the new draft rules.
Mr Vijayan Menon of Citizens Action Forum said, “I am truly amazed at the widespread support we are seeing in opposing these regulations. I hope the officials do not push us to next step of outright protests, legal interventions and other measures.”
Mr Sunil Telkar, member, HBR Layout RWA, said,” The new draft rules will increase commercialisation in residential areas and won’t let residents live in peace.” Early this month, Town Planning Director L. Shashikumar had said that there is a need to update new rules and form uniform guidelines to carry out development activities.
On the impact of new regulations on residential areas, Mr Sridhar Pabbisetty, CEO, Namma Bengaluru Foundation, said, “The proposed amendment will worsen the quality of life of every Bengalurean. When the city is already choking with illegal commercial establishments in roads less than 40ft wide, the government instead of enforcing the norms has chosen to sacrifice citizens’ interests and placate the real estate and trade lobbies.”
The residents said the new regulations would regularise bars in residential areas which would increase hooliganism.
Mr Suresh N.R., convener, United Bengaluru, said, “We oppose the move of changing the zoning norms by the government. Citizens would have invested their lifetime savings to buy a house in a safe and peaceful locality. But because of rampant commercialisation, they are now living in unsafe and noisy surroundings.”