For several months, residents and owners of commercial establishments in various localities have been at odds over alleged zonal regulation violations. With the BBMP renewing its drive against business establishments, the Indiranagar Owners, Traders and Residents Welfare Association held a press conference on Saturday to give their side of the story.
“We pay commercial tax and also commercial water bills and electricity bills. After paying all the taxes, we are now being told that there should not be commercial establishments in the area,” said S.G. Adithya, secretary of the association.
The owners also pointed out that while pubs, which pose a problem for residents, continue to operate, grocery and vegetable shops, and those selling electrical appliances have been issued notices by the civic body.
According to the association, many shops have existed for nearly 30 to 40 years. “All this while, the authorities did not have a problem, but now they are asking us to vacate,” Mr. Adithya added.
Business establishments operating in the area planning to approach Bangalore Development Authority, which is in the process of preparing the Draft Master Plan 2031.
“We are asking that this area be declared as a commercial zone. We want the BBMP to conduct a meeting with all stakeholders to address the real problems and we are ready to cooperate in this regard,” said Vinay Kumar, president of another association in Thippasandra.
