Govt directs to conduct survey for inclusion of Bengaluru’s peripheral areas under GBA

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said the government has directed the authorities to conduct a survey to identify Bengaluru’s peripheral areas that could be brought under the jurisdiction of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) in the future.

Speaking to the media after a review meeting of local bodies within Bengaluru Urban district at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said, “a meeting of officials from 12 local bodies in the district was held today. Bengaluru will continue to expand, and areas currently under the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) will eventually become part of the city.”

Dy.CM said that after a city inspection on Thursday, he found that several roads in CMC and town panchayat areas are narrow. “we must plan for the future by widening roads and improving infrastructure. I have directed officials from the PWD and Town Planning Department to prepare a master plan,” he added.

‘Preparation to convert B Khata to A Khata in outskirts’

The Dy.CM revealed that peripheral panchayats and municipalities likely to be merged with Bengaluru are being mentally and administratively prepared for inclusion. “Instructions have been issued to initiate the process of converting B Khata properties into A Khata. Tax collection will be made uniform with the city’s property-value-based system,” he said.

Shivakumar also directed officials to curb illegal constructions and unauthorised layouts. “In the future, we will be responsible for providing water and infrastructure to these areas. Therefore, construction must follow legal procedures,” he stressed.

Responding to questions about encroachment of stormwater drains and government lands, the DCM said, “Property records in these areas will be digitised like in Bengaluru. Infrastructure is already being provided to 110 villages. People in the peripheral areas must also develop civic awareness and adapt to urban living standards. Waste collection systems will be introduced on the lines of Bengaluru city,” he said.

When asked whether new areas would be added only in Bengaluru South, Shivakumar clarified that the plan covers all 12 peripheral local bodies. “Officials will first submit reports, after which discussions will be held with the public, civic organisations, MLAs, and MPs,” he added.