Citizens up in arms against BDA’s plan to turn complexes into malls

BDA's plan to convert prime complexes into malls sparks backlash over lack of public consultation and environmental concerns.

The Bangalore Development Authority’s (BDA) move to turn seven of its complexes in prime areas into high-rise shopping malls has triggered anger with citizens questioning the authority’s failure to hold public consultation before taking such decisions. 

The buildings, maintained by the BDA at prime locations, including Indiranagar, Koramangala, HSR Layout, R.T. Nagar, and Sadashivanagar, will be demolished to pave the way for plush malls. The structures are leased to Bengaluru-based M-FAR developers, a consortium of Maverick Holdings and Embassy Group, which will redevelop the Indiranagar complex. The BDA is expected to earn ₹40 crore annually, about a 236% jump. According to sources, its annual earning at present stands at ₹ 11 crore. 

The BDA will be collecting 30% from the total revenue of the developer in six places and 35% from Indiranagar. The lease period with the developers is 60 years. 

The residents of Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Indiranagar have raised red flags against the project, which they term as privatisation of BDA properties. Residents are also concerned about various other issues arising out of shopping malls in these areas that have turned commercial hubs, illegally in many cases. 

The conversion of complexes into 4 floor to 10 floor malls will increase the burden of traffic, consumption of electricity, water, noise pollution, waste management and others, said Swarna Venkataraman, member of I Change Indiranagar. The very fact that the BDA has not followed due process of holding public consultation is outrageous, she added. “We will not allow this happen as it will further worsen the situation in the city,” she said, adding that Indiranagar is already a developed area with multiple malls, shopping and entertainment complexes. “What is necessity to establish a new mall? This project will increase the influx of traffic in these areas which are already choked,” she said.

The HSR Layout Residents Welfare Association and Federation of HSR are drafting a letter of objection to the project. “The BDA complex here is located adjacent to a school. With the emergence of a mall, the children will have to bear the brunt of commercialisation,” said Shanti Tummala, a resident.