As BDA turns 50, DKS urges institutional reform, end of corruption

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday called for a fundamental transformation of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), urging officials to shed its long-standing image associated with “brokerage” and “unethical” practices.

Speaking at a training workshop for BDA employees on administrative reforms and public grievance redressal, Mr. Shivakumar said the authority must change its character as it completes 50 years this year.

“At least from this year onwards, BDA must reform itself, as it completes 50 years. The stigma attached to it as a body driven by “business” and “brokerage” must be removed,” he said, emphasising that discipline and integrity were essential for an internationally reputed city like Bengaluru.

Mr. Shivakumar revealed that it took him six months to understand the internal functioning of the Authority, which is plagued with corruption. “I have identified where corruption exists and where good work is being done,” he said, adding that all records are being digitised to tackle this, despite facing resistance.

Warning officials against procedural delays, he asked them to adopt a solution-orientated approach rather than repeatedly raising objections on files to make the system corrupt. “Do not commit mistakes and come to my notice. Once a case is registered, I won’t bend for any recommendation,” he cautioned.

Speaking about Bengaluru’s rapid growth, Mr. Shivakumar said the city was not originally planned to handle its current population of 1.4 crore. He acknowledged Mysuru has been planned better than Bengaluru and that apart from neighbourhoods such as Jayanagar, Malleswaram, and Chamarajapet, the city lacked well-planned residential areas. “This failure is not just of officials but also of politicians, past commissioners, and town planners over the years,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar pointed to plans to start a town planning college in Bengaluru through Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). He stressed that urban planning must extend beyond Bengaluru to all cities, ensuring better connectivity and mobility in every city.

Mr. Shivakumar reiterated his intention to build Peripheral Ring Road, now rebranded as Bengaluru Business Corridor. He said earlier delays in implementing the project had resulted in a steep escalation of costs. While the project could have been completed at ₹26,000 crore earlier, it now requires nearly ₹50,000 crore due to land acquisition expenses. He said multiple compensation options had been offered to landowners and asserted that not even an inch of land would be denotified during his tenure.

Calling BDA and the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) the “face of Bengaluru”, Mr. Shivakumar said citizens must approach the authorities with trust and dignity. “Criticism will fade, but our work will remain. We must ensure our contribution helps build a better Bengaluru,” he said.