Buying Property In Bangalore? Here is An Explainer on BBMP, BMRDA And BDA

If you are a home buyer, real estate investor, or builder who is not quite familiar with Bangalore, you probably would have a difficult time figuring out which agency you should approach for specific purposes. No one likes to flitter from one agency to another. But, the real estate regulatory space in Bangalore is less complicated than it seems. 

All About BBMP - Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike

Interestingly, the BBMP is the fourth largest municipal corporation in India, next to the municipal corporations in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. It is the BBMP's responsibility to meet the infrastructure and civic requirements of Greater Bangalore. This includes building and maintaining sewage, roads, bridges, and garbage. The BBMP also handles waste management and similar activities. To improve the efficiency of the administration, the BBMP is divided in eight zones. The BBMP works closely with the BDA and the Agenda for Bangalore Infrastructure Development Task Force (ABIDe).

All About BMRDA - Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority

The BMRDA is an autonomous body that plans, co-ordinates and supervises the development of the Bangalore urban district, Bangalore rural district and Ramnagar district. The BMRDA plans and supervises land development in the whole of Bangalore Metropolitan Area. The Board of members of BMRDA include the chief minister of Karnataka, senior officials and heads of different development agencies and departments. The chief minister of Karnataka is the chairman of the BMRDA The BDA also assists BMRDA by facilitating changes in the Development Policies of the Bangalore metropolitan region.

All About BDA – Bangalore Development Authority

Formed in 1976, the BDA falls under the jurisdiction of the Government of Karnataka. The BDA engages in zoning, planning and regulation of land in Bangalore. The BDA also, plans urban development in the city taking into account the infrastructural requirements of different areas within the city. The BDA is also responsible for the providing affordable homes for low income individuals and economically weaker sections of the society.

As BDA is the largest land developer in Bangalore, it has won the first Award in the 9th outstanding Bridge National Awards Competition instituted by Indian Institution of Bridge Engineers. The BDA also restored the lakes in Agaram, Lalbagh and Benniganahalli. Any other agency attempting to develop land in the Bangalore Metropolitan Region should seek the permission of the BDA.

Guidelines for home buyers, builders and real estate investors for investing in Bengaluru

Here are some quick guidelines on which agency you should approach while engaging in real estate activities in Bangalore:

• If you are a builder who is seeking approval for building and layout plans, you should approach the BDA.

• The BBMP collects property taxes, and maintains the layouts of buildings according to the plans approved by the BDA. The BBMP also provides “Khata” or documentation.

• The BBMP provides specific guidelines regarding the construction and maintenance of drainage, road, and amenities while developing land.

• It is not safe to purchase a plot of land that is approved by the Gram Panchayat approved land if the BDA has not approved it. It would be difficult to get financing from external sources. 

• To convert agricultural land for residential use, the owner should approach the Deputy Commissioner. To get a stamp of approval from the Deputy Commissioner, the layout plan needs should be approved by the BDA or the BMRDA according to the zone under which the property lies. However,at present the government has put this on hold for an indefinite period.

• In urban Bangalore, the BDA if supposed to give a No Objection Certificate (BDA) while building on a piece of property. In rural Bangalore, you should approach the BMRDA.

• The BDA provides two types of No Objection Certificate (NOC). The first is to certify that the agency had not tried to acquire that plot of land. The second is to certify that the BDA approves the residential layout plan of the builder. It is necessary to acquire both NOCs before developing land.

If you keep these guidelines in mind, investing in property in Bangalore would be easier.