Bengaluru, September 27, 2025: There was panic among residents of Koramangala’s I Block this week when a five-storey building built on a narrow 750 sq ft property started to lean ominously, sparking fears of collapse. The building, which had earlier attracted the ire of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) for severe violations, is now to be demolished as a precaution.
A Building Against the Rules
The authorities disclosed that the structure had been approved for just two floors in terms of municipal by-laws. But the owner proceeded to construct five storeys, defying legal controls and building guidelines. The issue was exacerbated by shoddy construction work, with feedback showing that the foundation was inadequate and the pillars could not carry the weight of more than one or two floors.
People living around the site indicated they had seen cracks on the walls of the structure in the last few weeks, and the tilt recently became noticeable, causing a public outcry.
Stop-Work Notice Ignored
The building’s checkered history traces back to August 2024, when the GBA sent a stop-work notice after inspectors pointed out serious irregularities. According to the neighbours, construction allegedly went on uninterrupted, especially towards the completion stages. The neighbours claim the authorities failed to follow up rigorously, and the building crept ahead towards completion.
It was only when the building started leaning visibly that the civic body moved in with more powerful action. Authorities have now sealed off the area and are planning to demolish the building under controlled circumstances to avoid a disaster.
Residents in Fear
The residents nearby have been terrified by the scare. Some families temporarily left their homes fearing collapse. “There were unusual noises at night, like creaks in the walls,” said a resident, explaining the fear that gripped the area.
Traders in the area also closed their shops for security purposes. Some residents have blamed the builder for negligence and are outraged against civic officials for inaction earlier in spite of frequent complaints.
Authorities Respond
The Greater Bengaluru Authority has acted fast following the latest updates. Engineers went to the building and verified that the tilt is a “severe safety risk.” Demolition, authorities stated, will start within days, after technical studies on the safest method are completed.
One of the top GBA officers acknowledged that there had been shortcomings in tracking illegal buildings and vowed stricter vigilance in the future. “We can’t tolerate gross disregard of building codes, particularly when they risk lives,” said the officer.
The Bigger Issue of Unauthorized Buildings
The Koramangala episode is not an isolated one. Bengaluru has long been grappling with unapproved buildings that are beyond sanctioned capacities, which are usually built using low-quality materials. Civic analysts point out that the intensity of urbanisation coupled with poor enforcement has provided fertile soil for such violations.
Illegal high-rises are especially risky in heavily populated localities such as Koramangala, with its narrow roads and close-set houses, where there is little space for escape or rescue in the event of collapse.
As it turns out, the problem is both a reflection of administrative inefficiency and the greed of certain developers to save on costs. “Builders tend to take advantage of loopholes or bribe their way through inspections. The end result is unsafe structures that threaten whole neighborhoods,” said one planner.
Public Outcry and Accountability
The accident has ignited a new bout of public outrage. Residents’ groups have called for an open investigation into how the construction went ahead despite government notices. Civic campaigners are seeking not only demolition, but also legal action against the contractor and tougher action against officials who did not carry out the stop-work order.
Social media has also brought out more criticism, with citizens asking if there are more such buildings in hiding all over the city. Demands for a thorough audit of high-risk buildings have been louder in recent days.
The Road Ahead
With plans for demolition under way, the authorities are under increased pressure to clean up Bengaluru’s construction scene. Experts recommend tighter real-time monitoring of projects, severe penalties for noncompliance, and more robust people’s participation to identify illegal developments at an early stage.
For residents of Koramangala, the expectation is that speedy action will not just neutralize the immediate threat but act as a deterrent to similar transgressions in the future. The leaning building stands as a symbol for the dangers of unrestrained urban development, highlighting the need for enhanced governance and regulation in India’s tech capital.
