Amid crackdown, Bengaluru civic body closes 21 PGs for non-compliance with new guidelines: report | Bengaluru

Officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the civic administrative body governing Bengaluru, on Thursday sealed as many as 21 paying guest (PG) accommodations for non-compliance with newly issued guidelines. According to BBMP Special Commissioner Suralkar Vikas Kishore, these PGs were operating without proper business licenses and compliance with safety and hygiene standards, the New Indian Express reported.

Of the 2,193 PG centers in BBMP limits, 1,578 are compliant with the guidelines, while 615 have been reported for violations. Notices will be sent to such non-compliant PGs, and non-compliance will result in further action, including sealing of establishments, the report said.

READ | Concerns arise over new structure around Lalbagh shrine in Bengaluru: report

BBMP officials said three notices have already been issued to these PWs for illegal logging, lacking both licenses and basic equipment. Under the BBMP Act, 2020, steps have been taken to close one registered and 20 unauthorized PGs. These PGs failed to follow essential guidelines such as maintaining clean facilities, installing CCTV cameras for security and providing adequate water supply and hygiene standards, the report noted.

Of the 2,320 PWs identified as unauthorized, 1,674 complied with the guidelines, while 646 did not. The sealed PGs were mainly those operating without a business license. BBMP officials have asked health workers to inspect PGs in all eight zones of the city and close non-compliant ones, the report added.

READ | Karnataka to launch Cauvery phase 5 water supply project for Bengaluru on October 16: report

Key guidelines for PGs include installation of CCTV cameras with 30-day footage backup, provision of clean drinking water, hygienic toilets, fire safety measures and employment of one staff member for 24/7 security. Additionally, PG owners should display BBMP and police helpline numbers on site and ensure proper waste management, the report further said.