Paying guest accommodations (PGs) in Bengaluru's eastern zones are under intense scrutiny and have been handed a stringent one-week deadline to address serious safety shortcomings. The Greater Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) East Corporation division, acting on the directions of the Grievance Redressal and Advisory System (GBAS), has mandated immediate corrective action following a series of inspections that revealed widespread non-compliance with essential safety norms.
Inspections Reveal Critical Safety Failures
The crackdown was initiated after GBAS member K Mathai raised pressing concerns regarding the safety of residents in numerous PG facilities. In response, a dedicated inspection team was assembled, comprising officials from the BBMP's health department, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). Their findings were alarming and pointed to a pattern of neglect that puts occupants at significant risk.
The team discovered that a majority of the inspected paying guest accommodations were operating without the most basic legal and safety clearances. Many establishments lacked a valid trade license, which is a fundamental requirement for any commercial operation in the city. Furthermore, critical utility connections were found to be unauthorized, with numerous PGs having illegal electrical and water connections, bypassing the official channels of BESCOM and BWSSB.
The Seven-Day Compliance Deadline
Confronted with these systemic failures, the GBAS East Corporation has taken a firm stance. Authorities have issued a clear and non-negotiable directive: all identified PG operators must rectify the listed violations within a period of seven days. The order, signed by BBMP's East Joint Commissioner (Health) Dr. Muzammil Abbas, leaves no room for ambiguity.
The notice explicitly states that failure to comply with this deadline will result in severe consequences. PGs that do not fall in line will face disconnection of their electricity and water supplies. As a final and more drastic measure, the BBMP will also initiate the process of sealing the non-compliant premises, effectively shutting down their operations.
The inspection drive, which is ongoing, has already covered several areas. Officials have confirmed that similar safety audits of paying guest accommodations will be conducted across other zones of Bengaluru to ensure city-wide adherence to safety protocols.
A Broader Push for Tenant Safety in Bengaluru
This enforcement action highlights a growing focus on regulating the largely informal PG and hostel sector in India's tech capital, which houses thousands of students and working professionals. The move by GBAS and the BBMP's East Corporation underscores the administrative priority being given to occupant safety, especially in high-density residential setups.
The discovery of illegal utility connections not only signifies a revenue loss for the city's corporations but also indicates a heightened risk of electrical fires and water contamination. The absence of trade licenses suggests these operations are outside the official regulatory framework, making it difficult to enforce standards for building safety, hygiene, and emergency preparedness.
This seven-day ultimatum serves as a major wake-up call for PG owners and operators in Bengaluru. It establishes a precedent for stricter enforcement and places the onus squarely on them to legalize their operations and invest in essential safety infrastructure. For the countless residents who call these PGs home, this intervention is a critical step towards ensuring their living spaces are secure and legally compliant.
