Very good documentary, must see. While I do not agree high barricades are a hinderance to crossing I agree there arent enough cross over points on arterial roads so people end up crossing over the barriers. 

Even crossing a 30 ft road ON zebra lines are dangerous especially for senior citizens as the vehicles dont stop for pedestrians

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Its an interesting documentary - it also highlights the pig-headedness of the BBMP officer Gopalswamy  who seems to have very little idea or is in denial that there is a problem and has some absurd idea that there is a squad actively fixing every crack in the footpath and will respond to a citizens complaint ! Okay - it might be true that there is a such a squad though I havent seen it in action.

His comment about public encroachment also shows his denial of reality. I have complained several times about use of the footpath for dumping building materials - I acutally took photos and gave them to the BBMP with a hand-written letter. Nothing was done till the building construction was over.

Ramesh

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We are an aspiring (and for some already) world-class city after all. Cars rule. How can you be world class if you get to watch the poor pedestrians by the road side when driving by? Scare them away. 

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Just curious- say it is a 60 x 40 site (like many in Banashankari's commercial areas for eg., opposite Annakutira and near Big bazar) and someone is constructing there. The government regulations might allow for 5' in the front as the setback in these high density areas.Infact, i have seen most buildings along that road touching or almost touching eachother. Suppose you were to build here in this site, where would you dump the building material? is there some alternative one can work with? especially when the front pillar will be set about 5-7 feet inside the site, but the excavation for the pillar foundation will be 3 feet around the pillar, there is just no space to dump the materials required. Also, when excavating, loads of soil is removed from these trenches and these occupy the site until removed or used to back-fill into the pits after the pillars are cast. So whats the solution here?

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 but usually there is no place to temporarily place dumsters or trailers.

Most construction containers only occupies 8 feet on the street which is equivelant to the width of a car parked along the sidewalk. 

Example

Illustration

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Please see sample construction rules and regulations not from a different planet but from a country that respects public good. Note the instructions on storage & disposal of construction material especially usage of containers. I am not surprised our corporators & MLA's are not interested in making our lives better and instead have gone off into hibernation post getting elected.

Construction Work Hours

7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Saturdays
No work on Sundays, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Construction shall be considered to include job-site material deliveries, pre-start staging activities and any equipment operation including trucks with back-up alarms.

Responsibility to the Public and Protection of Public Property

Earthwork activities must have equipment standing by for mud and dirt removal from the street and sidewalks. All streets and sidewalks must be kept clean and power washed if necessary to prevent dust. Open sandblasting, open masonry cutting/grinding or any other operation which causes airborne dust will not be tolerated. Adequate measures (such as wet-sawing or containment) shall be provided to prevent movement of airborne dust off-site. Waste materials may not be placed on the ground and must be containerized for disposal. Construction materials may not be stored in a front yard for a period exceeding seven calendar days. The Director of Public Works may grant an extension due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor. Portable toilets must be regularly serviced to avoid odors. A portable toilet that emits an odor that is detectable from an adjacent property shall be considered a nuisance. Portable toilets shall be placed in rear yards where possible.

Excavations and structures shall be completely surrounded by fencing until backfilling is completed and the structure can be secured against unauthorized entry. Notice of excavations which may potentially impact foundations of adjoining properties shall be made in accordance with the XXX Adjacent Landowner Excavation Protection Act.

Cement trucks are not permitted to wash out into the street or into catch basins.

Do not block public sidewalks or streets. Do not allow materials to be placed or dumped in the streets, parkways or sidewalks. Vehicles are not permitted to park on the parkway areas. Contractor vehicles are to be parked on the same side of the street and may not be parked on both sides.

Curb/gutter or sidewalk to be traversed by construction traffic must be protected with planking. All cracked and broken sidewalk and curb will have to be replaced at your expense. Metal track tractors are not permitted to travel the city streets unless they are covered with appropriate covering.

All parkway trees, including the root system, are to be protected from damage. A fence must be placed around all trees extending to the dripline of the trees or the entire parkway.

Filling in or removing soil may require city approval and permits. Please check with the Engineering Department for regulations and requirements before starting.

After the foundation of a new home or other structure has been poured, an “as built” by a State Registered Land Surveyor with the top foundation elevations on a plat of survey, with the exact sizes and dimensions of the new foundations and distances to all lot lines, must be submitted to the Building Department for approval before any framing or building construction can continue. (As built foundation surveys will not be required for residential building additions.) When the foundation is back filled, rough grading of the site needs to be accomplished, per the approved grading plan. Every effort must be made to avoid water runoff to the adjoining properties.

This is a residential community with many children. Drive safely. Watch out for the children. Do not trespass on neighboring properties. Do not litter. Keep noise and other disturbing activities to a minimum. Contractors should obey the posted speed limits (or slower) and park per the regulations (right wheel to curb on one side of the street, etc.) The city expects all contractors to act professionally and courteously. Excessive noise is subject to applicable city noise regulations.

No construction advertising signs other than the sign or permit placard required by these regulations are allowed in residential neighborhoods.

At least 48 hours prior to digging, call XXX for utility locations. This is the law!

No open fires or open burning permitted. If heat is needed, use propane or gas system.

Fire Hydrant Use is prohibited except as authorized under an approved fire hydrant use permit.

Please allow 24 hours notice for said final inspections to be performed.

Proceeding with construction under an approved permit shall be considered the property owner’s and his contractors/subcontractors acknowledgement that they have read and fully understand these Rules and Regulations for Building Construction and understand that any violation of these regulations will be cause for the issuance of citations and/or a stop work order. Any project that has been issued a stop work order will require a meeting with the property owner and his contractor/subcontractors prior to being allowed to proceed. These regulations are in addition to all other city regulations that apply to building and construction.
 

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Good processes in place there. Wish we had help lines and utilities like in the post by IDS.

".......Earthwork activities must have equipment standing by for mud and dirt removal from the street and sidewalks. All streets and sidewalks must be kept clean and power washed if necessary to prevent dust...."

"...Do not allow materials to be placed or dumped in the streets, parkways or sidewalks...."

The scenario in my last post is live now in Banashankari. Leave alone the 30 x 40 sites, even 60 x 40 sites are very hard to work with during construction.There is usually no space in the site to store either the excavated earth- which should be removed immediately as the removed earth should go into dumpsters- but usually there is no place to temporarily place dumsters or trailers. Can we think alond and probably come up with alternatives or solutions. Wish there was place in every site as in those photos.

The other aspect is that green building practices advocates use of excavated material re-use at site, thus reducing energy invovled in construction processes (including transportation of material). Also, removing and disposing excavated earth is extra cost when refilling exising earth is way cheaper than new earth bought and brought from ouside for the purpose. So the owners tend to take their chances. 2 options to go- make dumping existing earth cheaper + cheaper new earth (thereby create a win-win situation) or punish dumping earth on sidewalks and make it as costly as new earth (thereby creating a no-win situation; as dumpsters cannot be parked in the site and thus cannot await removal at the end of the day- so owners will end up paying fines and the problem of pedestrian discomfort will still exist). The no-win situation will create more pocket money for BBMP and hopefully not for some local private pockets.

"...Excavations and structures shall be completely surrounded by fencing until backfilling is completed and the structure can be secured against unauthorized entry....."

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"...The scenario in my last post is live now in Banashankari. Leave alone the 30 x 40 sites, even 60 x 40 sites are very hard to work with during construction.There is usually no space in the site to store either the excavated earth- which should be removed immediately as the removed earth should go into dumpsters- but usually there is no place to temporarily place dumsters or trailers. Can we think alond and probably come up with alternatives or solutions. Wish there was place in every site as in those photos..."

Good excuse to leave the debris on footpath. Since I can't get a big dumpster in my area I will leave all the debris from my construction site onto the road. What the heck if others gets inconvenienced. That's the message to the public, from our friend Ananth.

If there is no space to park a truck or debris removal vehicle, how did you get your construction material to the site? I am sure trucks, tempos must be ferrying the bricks, sand, cement, wood etc.

Fact of the matter is if we have a will we will find the solutions. Otherwise all excuses.

The scenario that is given in IDS post is from place which has a law, rules that governs the law, procedures and process to comply with the rules and enforcement to deal with the non-compliance. The construction starts with obtaining the relevant permits which obligates the owner to comply with all the rules including removal of debris from the construction site. Where big vehicles can't reach the site front or back, the debris is ferried on wheel borough to the truck  or the dumpster.

For  small reworks also, at the end of the day/work the debris and the waste is to be carried away by the contractor and gets disposed of at the disposal site. Any refusal by the contractor can get his license canceled permanently.

Given that in India it is OK to do anything, at least we as educated, conscious and sensible citizens should start working towards doing things RESPONSIBLY. Yes without infrastructure and processes in place, it is a tall order. But can not go on making one excuse or the other to evade the responsibility. Just because everybody does this way, doesn't make your efforts right. We need to grow up from the mentality of finding excuses.

If infrastructure doesn't exist demand it and don't rest until it is created. If processes are not in place fight for the process to be in place. Stand up for the non-compliance even if it is your kith and kins. That is how we are going to leave this place in good condition for the next generation.

Believe me we can find only handful who will stand up to the right cause and betterment of the society we live in.

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"...Good excuse to leave the debris on footpath. Since I can't get a big dumpster in my area I will leave all the debris from my construction site onto the road. What the heck if others gets inconvenienced. That's the message to the public, from our friend Ananth...."

Dear Syed, i was merely pointing out the state of affairs and trying to see the problem as a whole. There was no 'public message' anywhere. Well, arent we supposed to do some healthy brainstroming to find solutions to issues? Which part of my post looked like a public message?

"....I am sure trucks, tempos must be ferrying the bricks, sand, cement, wood etc..."

They dump material early by 7-7:30 in the morning before the cops catch them doing this and run. Frequently we also see bricks and steel bars on pathways. Cement is bought in very small quantities- on an everyday basis- because if there is a little rain, they become useless. These problems continue until the ground floor slab is cast and the shuttering is removed, after which these materials are shifted inside.

"...Fact of the matter is if we have a will we will find the solutions..."

Sure- that is the reason why we discuss.

"..Where big vehicles can't reach the site front or back, the debris is ferried on wheel borough to the truck or the dumpster..."

There was a residence construction at Magadi Road some months back (in one of the cross roads- site size of 30' front x 80' depth). Or one might want to consider the live example of Banashankari site. Where should have one parked the dumpster - the area was a heavy traffic, narrow roads (for the traffic) commercial zone. I am asking becasue I dont know. There is no need to get hyper.

Hey IDS, thanks for the illustrations. Are we saying a solution might be that we put the dumpster on the road like in the picture? Wont that just pass on the trouble to the vehicular traffic? I am thinking someone will have to start putting these things on stilts and raise it up by 7' during day, and placed on the pavement, thus not affecting the pedestrians. But during day is when the dumping happens most, and it will be out of the question to move it up or down when it is laden, except when some motorized mechanical arrangement like a mini crane operates this. Is something like that available? Then again, what was your first clue to identify 'Lame Excuse’?

Hey this is a public forum and anyone is allowed to raise any point that is relevant. When the problems are not looked at from all sides, any solution suggested will be only wishful thinking (like have will and find solutions- we are brainstorming for those solutions, are we not?). Also, we should start appreciating constructive criticisms and play the devil’s advocate for ourselves if we are to come up with something that works.

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Ananth,

I am glad we are on same page to acknowledge that if we look for solutions we will get one and if we look for excuses we find plenty.

"...I am asking because I dont know. There is no need to get hyper..."

Answer is simple. If you don't know, ask the experts. No body on Praja claims to be expert, therefore you will have to make some efforts in reaching out to those experts and come up with solutions.

"...Hey this is a public forum and anyone is allowed to raise any point that is relevant. When the problems are not looked at from all sides, any solution suggested will be only wishful thinking (like have will and find solutions- we are brainstorming for those solutions, are we not?)..."

when you mock at every suggestion made here, would you get solutions? you will get mocked.

Criticism is fine, but also be ready to get criticized. Don't get dismayed with the counter response.

Now lets talk solutions to the problem you have mentioned. First thing I will do is ask around to see if any process or rule exists that govern the construction sites, debris removal etc. The governing authority in this case would be BBMP. Let us start with BBMP and find if there is anything in BBMP books.

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Syed,

"...Answer is simple. If you don't know, ask the experts. No body on Praja claims to be expert, therefore you will have to make some efforts in reaching out to those experts and come up with solutions..."

Yes, some may be able to do more than just discuss, unfortunately i can just discuss. Since Praja is a public forum, i do not know how can one make a general statement like no body here claims to be an expert'. Well, somebody might know more, if not you and me.

"...when you mock at every suggestion made here, would you get solutions? you will get mocked...."

Read again. I need to ask you again which part of my post looked like mocking? Again, if i was 'dismayed' with counter response, my reply to yours would have had a very different tone.

Enough of this non-productive talking, eveybody is here to contribute to making situations better- thats is the reason anybody is here at all. So probably if we spare this thread of all the unwanted talk, someone might post some solution that exists for our context or come up with something workable.

Do we have motorised liftable dumpsters (like we have car parks)? I will talk with some friends in some construction management agencies and post solutions if any (might take a week). Hopefully others will also post their experiences here (about solutions). Then, after we know how it can be made viable, we can also discuss proposals to regularise the processes.

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Bye-laws seem to not indicate how to, but the building plan approval seal demands some action. Here is a copy of the seal on the plan approval document for a multi-story building. 

Don't understand why this is not a part of the bye-law document itself though. How do you enforce a requirement that is on a seal without any references to a clause or penalties that accompany? It might just well be that it is not intended to be enforced at all :) Sorry, cheap shot.

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Interestingly, BBMP Bye-laws talk of a Ground Rent that needs to be paid. Seems to essentially legalize use of public property for 'storage' of construction materials. Didn't see any guidelines on 'how'.

Extract: 

3.8 Ground rent - The ground rent for stocking of building materials on public land as prescribed by the Authority without causing obstruction to movement of vehicles and pedestrians subject to the permission of the Authority.

Note: (i) The ground rent charges shall be based on the total floor area of all the floors in the buildings. The ground rent is valid for a period of two years only. If the building is not completed and the occupancy certificate is not obtained within the period of two years, further rent is to be paid at half the rate per annum or part thereof till the building is completed.

Note: (ii) The ground rent applies only for the storing of building materials and not for any other purpose.

Note: (iii) If the public land is utilised for storing of excavated materials and debris, separate charges will have to be paid at four times the rate fixed as ground rent.

3.9 Ground rent for high rise buildings : High rise buildings are not exempted from payment of ground rent irrespective of the set backs and coverage.

3.10 Exemptions for ground rent -

Ground rent may be exempted in the following cases, namely

(1) individual residential bungalows with front set back of 6 metres and more with coverage of not more than 55 per cent.

(2) schools, colleges and other institutions with a front set back of 8 meters and more with coverage of not more than 33.33 per cent.

(3) religious and cultural buildings with a front set back of 8 meters and more with coverage of not more than 45 per cent.

(4) heavy industries and Government buildings with large extents of land capable of storing the building materials within the periphery of the property.

Note: Exemption shall be granted only on production of undertaking from the applicant on a stamped paper of Rs. 30 that the Corporation land, footpath and road will not be used for stocking building materials as well as depositing debris and in case of violation of this condition, they shall be liable to pay the ground rent at the normal rates in addition to the penalty of 50 % of the amount specified which will be recovered as arrears of tax on land and buildings, etc.

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Ravi,

Thanks for sharing this with Praja.

Any laws or rules that governs the removal of debris from pavements in front of the construction sites?

-Syed

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 From Ravi's extract above

Exemption shall be granted only on production of undertaking from the applicant on a stamped paper of Rs. 30 that the Corporation land, footpath and road will not be used for stocking building materials as well as depositing debris and in case of violation of this condition, they shall be liable to pay the ground rent at the normal rates in addition to the penalty of 50 % of the amount specified which will be recovered as arrears of tax on land and buildings, etc.

Does this mean the following

1. If you choose to pay ground rent you have the right to destroy & block sidewalks & other common areas?
2. If you choose not to pay ground rent THEN you are told to keep ped/common areas clean as a punishment?
3. If you take an exemption and obstruct ped/common areas then you will be penalized in monetary terms but nothing will be done to make you clear the obstruction.

It looks to me that these rules are encouraging obstruction so BBMP can make money out of it (which also they dont do properly). Another law for our corporators to work on during their paid working time in that building with a dome they call office.

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Agree with IDS and Ravi_D. If we were be the surrogate BBMP, would we -

a. Ask for penalties from the violators and allow them to continue what they do

b. Try finding a workable and an enforceable way to manage the construction materials in tight sites (which apparently cause more trouble)- as the lack of in-situ storage is a prime concern (until the ground floor roof slab is cast and the shuttering is removed so that space can be used). Any violations after this enforceable rule will work then.

Some strong technical/technological help here might go a long way is what i feel.

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85-year-old Abdul Bashir was walking towards Majestic bus stand. Stumbling on a hole, he fell down and lost his life. Police say he died of a heart attack, but shopkeepers in the area feel that it was not a ‘weak heart’ but the shock from the fall that killed the man.

For the full report in the Bangalore Mirror, click here.

So, what's new? It's an everyday occurance in Namma Bengaluru, right? And, who cares?

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Most people in the city are oblivious to the fact that by its very definition, a road is incomplete without a proper footpath and that the pedestrian is an important stakeholder in the footpaths and also has the sole right to use them. The municipal corporation has failed to disseminate information that a common man could use to voice his concerns.

For the full report in the DNA, click here.

Further reiteration of the point, if at all it was required

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I propose an `Ironman' marathon - for Malleswaram, but that can be replaced by pretty much any locality in Bangalore. The rules -- Walk from 18th Cross and 11th Main to 5th Cross and Sampige Road entirely on the `footpath' - except, of course, to cross the road at `pedestrian crossings'.

Anyone who successfully completes this will have my undying respect and admiration. Any MLA/MP/City Counciller who comepletes this successfully will have my vote for the rest of his/her career. Time is not a factor - in fact, MLAs/MPs etc are free to get the footpaths built / cleared and complete the challenge.

Ramesh

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Extracts from the record notes of the proceedings of the 10th Citizen's Traffic Forum (sometimes it is referred to as Traffic Advisory Committee TAC) Meeting held on 16-02-2013

Commissioner of Police, Bangalore City instructed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic East Division and Traffic West Division to personally look into the matter and ensure that all mud / sands / building materials dumped on the road and footpaths is removed.  

In response to my specific request, the Commissioner stated that he will send out a memo to all traffic sub-division heads to enforce this strictly. Citizens facing problems in this regard could approach the local traffic sub-divison Inspectors (contact particulars accessible here), citing these minutes if required, to have the redressed.

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