BBMP to use AI for identifying illegal constructions, delivering property documents

Deputy chief minister and Bengaluru development minister DK Shivakumar announced that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect illegal constructions and streamline property document delivery. 

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with Congress legislators ahead of the BBMP budget 2025-26, he highlighted the widespread issue of unauthorized floor expansions and tax evasion. “Many property owners have constructed additional floors without approval and are not paying proportional taxes. AI will help identify and assess these violations,” he said. 

He revealed that out of seven lakh properties defaulting on property tax payments, one lakh have now been brought under the tax net, with efforts ongoing to include the remaining properties. A recent legal amendment grants BBMP the authority to attach legal properties, a power it previously lacked. Additionally, the government has decided to designate private roads within layouts as public roads. 

He issued a stern warning to BBMP officials who collaborate with violators, stating that such personnel would face suspension. He also mentioned that some MLAs have proposed categorizing residences as single and group housing  while granting approvals. 

Also Read: BBMP Budget 2025-26 to exceed Rs 18,000 Cr; presentation likely on March 27 or 28

The minister announced that this initiative to deliver khata (property ownership  documents) directly to residents’ homes will commence in April. "All property records have been digitized, and awareness programs will be conducted with MLAs," he added. 

On street vendors, Shivakumar reiterated that roadside shops are prohibited per court orders. He stated that BBMP has received 3,778 applications for pushcarts and plans to issue 10,000 this year. The registration deadline has been extended until April-end, after which unregistered vendors will be removed. Specially designed pushcarts, including bicycles and autorickshaws, will be distributed through a tender system to prevent harassment.

Regarding the long-pending BBMP elections, Shivakumar said the government is preparing to hold them soon, pending the Governor’s approval of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill.