Bengaluru: BBMP to use AI to identify illegal constructions, says DK Shivakumar

He added that around 7 lakh properties had not paid property tax, of which 1 lakh have now been brought under the tax bracket, and efforts are ongoing to include the rest.

"BBMP earlier lacked the authority to attach illegal properties, but a law was passed last week to enable this. Additionally, it has been decided to declare even private roads in private layouts as public roads," he said.

Shivakumar also warned BBMP officials colluding with owners of illegal properties. "I have instructed senior officials to suspend such officers. All properties must pay taxes, and there will be no compromise on this. Some MLAs have suggested classifying residences as group housing andsingle housing while issuing approvals," he said.

The initiative to deliver khata (property documents) to people’s doorsteps will be launched in April. "All property records have been digitised, and we will conduct awareness programmes in collaboration with MLAs," he added.

On street vendors, he reiterated that roadside shops will not be allowed as per court orders. “BBMP has received 3,778 applications for pushcarts and will provide 10,000 this year. The registration deadline has been extended until April-end, and unregistered vendors will be removed. Specially designed pushcarts, including bicycles and autorickshaws, will be issued through tenders to prevent harassment”, he said.

Asked about the BBMP elections, which have not been conducted for the last five years, Shivakumar said, "The government is preparing to hold elections soon. We will proceed once the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill is approved by the Governor."

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