Strengthening Safety and Standards: New Regulations for PG Accommodations and Resident Concerns in Bengaluru

As Bengaluru expands, the need for secure and dependable housing options grows. Paying guest (PG) accommodations have emerged as a preferred choice for students and professionals due to their affordability and convenience. Yet, this increased demand has highlighted significant concerns regarding safety, hygiene, and living conditions. To address these issues, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has enacted new regulations under Section 305 of the BBMP Act, 2020, aimed at raising standards and ensuring greater safety for residents.

Mandatory CCTV Installation for Enhanced Security

One of the most significant changes introduced by the BBMP is the compulsory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all PG accommodations. This requirement is not just limited to new establishments; existing PGs must also comply with these regulations. CCTV cameras must be strategically placed at all entry and exit points, as well as in common areas throughout the premises. The goal is to ensure thorough and continuous monitoring of activities within the PG, thereby acting as a deterrent to any unlawful or suspicious behavior.

Furthermore, the regulations mandate that the recorded footage from these cameras be stored for a minimum of 90 days. This storage must include both hardware and software backups to prevent any loss of data. This move follows a tragic incident in Koramangala, where a woman was fatally stabbed by an intruder who gained unauthorized access to her PG accommodation. The BBMP believes that by enforcing strict surveillance measures, such incidents can be prevented, and residents can feel safer in their living environments.

Ensuring Adequate Living Space and Hygiene

In addition to safety concerns, the new regulations address the issue of overcrowding in PG accommodations. Each resident must now be provided with a minimum of 70 square feet of living space. This stipulation is designed to prevent the cramming of too many residents into a small area, which has been a common practice in some PGs. By enforcing this space requirement, the BBMP aims to improve the quality of life for residents, ensuring that they have sufficient room to live comfortably.

Hygiene and cleanliness are also central to the new regulations. PG owners are required to maintain well-kept bathing and toilet facilities to promote a healthy living environment. The guidelines emphasize the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance, which is critical in preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring the well-being of residents. Additionally, each PG must provide a minimum of 135 liters of potable water per resident per day, ensuring that basic water needs are adequately met.

Licensing Requirements and Compliance

To further standardize operations, the BBMP has introduced new licensing requirements for PG accommodations. PGs that operate their own kitchens are now required to obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This license must be secured within three months of receiving their business license from the BBMP. The FSSAI license is crucial in ensuring that the food provided to residents meets the necessary safety and hygiene standards. This step is part of a broader effort to protect residents from potential foodborne illnesses and to raise the overall quality of food services within PG establishments.

Moreover, the regulations stipulate that each PG accommodation must have at least one staff member on duty at all times. This measure is intended to ensure that there is always someone available to address any emergencies or concerns that may arise. In line with this focus on safety, PG owners are also required to obtain a fire safety certificate from a competent authority before being granted a commercial license. The fire safety certificate ensures that the building meets all necessary fire safety regulations, including the presence of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and proper evacuation procedures.

Communication and Community Awareness

The BBMP has also emphasized the importance of communication and community awareness in ensuring the safety and well-being of PG residents. All PG accommodations must prominently display a notice board with important helpline numbers, including the BBMP helpline (1533) and the police emergency number (101). This notice board must be easily accessible to all residents, ensuring that they know whom to contact in case of an emergency.

In addition to these communication measures, PGs are required to have a well-stocked first aid kit on the premises. Proper segregation and management of solid waste are also mandatory, with specific guidelines on waste disposal to promote environmental responsibility and cleanliness.

Enforcement and Accountability

To ensure compliance with these regulations, area commissioners have been tasked with overseeing PG establishments within their jurisdictions. They are responsible for conducting regular inspections and taking enforcement action against any violators. The BBMP has made it clear that non-compliance with these regulations will result in strict penalties, including the potential revocation of business licenses.

Concerns Raised by Whitefield Residents

The recent guidelines issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for paying guest (PG) accommodations have sparked significant concern among Whitefield residents due to the omission of mandatory fire safety measures. As Bengaluru's demand for PG accommodations increases, residents worry that the new regulations fail to address critical safety issues, particularly in high-rise buildings. The absence of a Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC), which certifies compliance with essential fire safety norms, is seen as a major oversight. This lack of regulation leaves multi-story PG accommodations vulnerable to severe fire hazards, potentially jeopardizing residents' lives and property.

Residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with the BBMP’s guidelines, arguing that they fall short in ensuring the safety of PG accommodations. The rapid development of high-rise PG buildings in Whitefield, many of which lack proper fire safety systems, has heightened these concerns. The BBMP's recent allowance for PG buildings to exceed six floors further exacerbates the issue, as taller structures without adequate fire safety measures pose an increased risk of catastrophic incidents. This development has led many to call for mandatory fire safety certifications and stricter regulations to mitigate these risks.

In addition to fire safety, residents are raising alarms about other challenges linked to the proliferation of PG accommodations. Issues such as illegal commercial activities within residential areas, inadequate parking facilities, and a decline in overall residential quality are prominent. These problems not only disrupt the residential character of neighborhoods but also contribute to noise pollution, traffic congestion, and strained public infrastructure. Residents are urging the BBMP to address these concerns by enforcing stricter regulations, including limits on building heights and improved parking provisions, to enhance the livability of their communities.

The Call for Stricter Regulations

In light of these concerns, residents are urging the BBMP to revisit its guidelines and introduce stricter regulations for PG accommodations. They advocate for mandatory fire safety measures, including the requirement of a Fire Safety NOC for all PG buildings above a certain height. Additionally, they call for better enforcement of zoning laws to prevent illegal commercial activities and ensure that PG accommodations do not adversely affect the residential character of neighborhoods.

Residents also suggest that the BBMP should impose restrictions on the height of PG buildings and ensure that adequate parking facilities are provided. By implementing these measures, the BBMP can address the safety concerns and improve the overall livability of residential areas in Bengaluru.

Conclusion

The new BBMP guidelines for PG accommodations have sparked a debate on the need for comprehensive safety regulations, particularly in the area of fire safety. As the city continues to grow and accommodate a diverse population, it is crucial for the authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents. Addressing these concerns through stricter regulations and better enforcement will not only enhance the safety of PG accommodations but also preserve the quality of life in Bengaluru's residential neighborhoods.