The state government’s decision to form “e-City Industrial Township Area” to govern Electronics City is likely to face some legal hurdles. Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is opposing the proposal and is planning to move the court.
On March 18, just two days before the model code of conduct for the Assembly election came into force, the then BJP government had issued a notification for the township.
As per Section 364-A (Specification of Industrial Township), 903 acres and 11 guntas of area in Electronics City Phase-I, II and III would come under the e-City Industrial Township Area.
It meant Dodda Thoguru, Konappana Agrahara and Veerasandra villages which consist of industries, educational institutions, hotels and other commercial establishments would come under the township, said to be first-of-its kind in the state.
While the companies in Electronics City have welcomed the move, which they feel would help in the development of the area, the BBMP authorities are planning to file a public interest litigation (PIL) against the notification.
Speaking to Express, Yediyur ward Councillor N R Ramesh said if the township is autonomous, then they should not depend on BBMP, BWSSB and BESCOM.
“BWSSB is supplying water and is also maintaining the sewage, while BESCOM is supplying power. We are collecting 30 per cent of the garbage generated there. Surrounding areas of Electronics City come under BBMP. All these companies are making profits. We just demanded seven per cent of the profit as tax,” he said.
“If the township status is given to Electronics City, what about other industrial areas like Peenya (largest in Asia), Rajajinagar and ITPL? Others too will demand township status, but we will be providing them all the facilities,” Ramesh said.
The BBMP, which was planning to include Electronics City under its jurisdiction, had passed a resolution in August last year.
The same was sent to the state government, but was not approved by the Cabinet.
Many councillors had planned to raise this issue again and send a fresh proposal to the state government. Congress councillors had even planned to meet the Chief Minister in this regard.
K V Ramappa, Under Secretary (Urban Development Department), said, with the township status, Electronics City will become an autonomous body and shall have all the municipality powers and responsibilities, including collecting tax, road laying, drainage, solid waste management and other civic amenities. There will be 10 nominees, five from the Electronics City Industries’ Association (ELCIA) and five from the state government.
“Five nominees will include senior officers from the Urban Development, Commerce and Industries, Town Planning and other departments,” he said.