BDA mulls reclaiming unused sites in Bengaluru’s NPKL

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will explore legal options to take back sold sites in the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPKL) that have remained unused. The Hindu has learnt from multiple sources that BDA chairperson N.A. Haris proposed the idea during a meeting between NPKL site allottees and the authority. However, there may be legal hurdles in introducing such a rule, and the authority will now examine possible ways to implement it. According to a member of the NPKL Open Forum, there is a clause in the sale agreement mandating the construction of houses within five years of purchasing a site. The BDA may seek to amend this clause to enable it to take back the site. “While the move is welcome, the BDA must ensure that the five-year period is counted only after issues related to basic amenities are resolved. Why would someone build a house and incur losses when there no basic infrastructure?” the member questioned, requesting anonymity. However, he noted that BDA Commissioner P. Manivannan has assured that all issues related to amenities will be addressed by March next year. The forum has suggested that, if at all the authority decides to reclaim unused sites, a five-year deadline should be fixed only after March. A BDA source confirmed to The Hindu that the proposal was suggested by Mr. Haris and will be finalised after examining the available legal options. Building bylaw violations In addition, the BDA has planned a crackdown on building bylaw violators in NPKL in the first phase. The exercise will later be extended to other BDA-developed layouts such as Arkavathy and Shivaram Karanth Layout. Mr. Manivannan told The Hindu that violators will be issued notices to rectify the deviations, and action will be taken if they fail to comply. “At least in the new layouts, we can ensure that all bylaws are followed so that neighbourhoods do not run into problems. We will strictly implement the laws,” he said. Published - December 24, 2025 10:11 pm IST

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