Bengaluru's West Corporation has initiated a crackdown on basement businesses operating in residential and commercial buildings, issuing notices to owners and occupants to vacate these spaces to restore them for vehicle parking. The move is part of a broader effort to address the city's chronic parking shortage and enforce building by-laws that prohibit commercial use of basements without proper approvals.
Notices issued across multiple wards
According to officials from the West Corporation, notices have been served to at least 50 basement businesses in wards such as Vijay Nagar, Basaveshwara Nagar, and Rajajinagar. The businesses include godowns, small manufacturing units, and retail stores that have been operating illegally in basements meant for parking. The corporation has given them a 15-day ultimatum to clear the premises or face legal action, including sealing of the properties.
“We have identified several basements being used for commercial activities, which is a violation of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act and the building by-laws. These spaces are required for parking to ease congestion on roads,” said a senior officer from the West Corporation's town planning department.
Impact on residents and traffic
The lack of designated parking in many apartment complexes and commercial buildings has forced residents to park on narrow roads, leading to traffic jams and safety hazards. By freeing up basement spaces, the corporation aims to provide at least 200 additional parking slots in the affected areas. Residents have welcomed the move, with many complaining that illegal businesses in basements have caused nuisance and blocked access.
“We have been suffering for years because the basement in our building is used as a godown for a hardware store. There is no place to park our vehicles, and we have to leave them on the street, which is risky,” said Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Vijay Nagar.
Legal backing and enforcement
The corporation is acting under Section 308 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, which empowers it to remove unauthorized constructions and uses. Notices have been issued under Form 11, requiring the occupants to show cause why the basement should not be cleared. If no response is received within the stipulated time, the corporation will proceed with demolition or eviction.
“We are not targeting small businesses arbitrarily. Our priority is to enforce the law and ensure that basements are used only for parking or other permissible purposes as per the approved building plan,” the officer added.
Challenges and next steps
While the initiative has received support, some business owners have expressed concerns about losing their livelihood. The corporation has assured that it will consider representations from those who can prove they have valid licenses or permissions. However, officials maintain that most of the businesses lack any such approvals.
In the coming weeks, the West Corporation plans to conduct a ward-wise survey to identify all illegal basement uses and take similar action across its jurisdiction. The move is expected to set a precedent for other zones in Bengaluru to follow.
