The Karnataka state government has been working on transforming the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). However, recent developments confirm that this plan will not be implemented this year, as authorities have informed the Karnataka High Court of its deferment.During a hearing on a case involving BBMP building bylaw violations, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty responded to the court’s queries, stating that the process of dividing BBMP into five municipal corporations is in progress.
He further noted that elections for these corporations are likely to be held by January 2025, and until then, BBMP’s administration will continue as is.On May 5, the government issued an official notification to establish the GBA. A reform committee’s report on dividing BBMP into five parts and reorganizing it into 400 wards has received approval from the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Currently, BBMP covers an area of approximately 708 square kilometers.
The proposed GBA will expand its jurisdiction to around 1,400 square kilometers, integrating various city-related departments, including BBMP, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, BESCOM, Metro, Traffic Police, and the Transport Department, for streamlined urban management.The establishment of the GBA is expected to enhance the city’s administrative efficiency and development framework, paving the way for Bengaluru’s continued growth and improved urban governance.