BBMP’s plan to convert community hall in Bommanahalli into vet hospital faces resistance

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Residents of Bommanahalli are up in arms against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for its proposal to convert a public community hall into a veterinary hospital.

The Raitha Sipayi Mandira community hall, located near Devarachikkanahalli, has hosted thousands of cultural programmes and spiritual discourses over the past eight years, according to Sampath Krishnabhat, a local resident. “It stands on the designated Civic Amenities (CA) site of our layout,” he added.

A BBMP official stated that the proposal was initiated owing to a lack of suitable locations in the Bommanahalli zone to build the planned veterinary hospital.

Ramya S, Bommanahalli Zonal Commissioner, told The Hindu that the proposal aimed at establishing a zone-specific veterinary hospital, and during their site search, the community hall appeared to be a favourable option. “The hall has both entry and exit points, which is suitable for veterinary hospitals. Our land records also indicate that the property belongs to the BBMP,” she said.

However, Ram Mohan Raju, former deputy mayor and former councillor of Bommanahalli, said, “In 2016, the land was vacant and frequented by alcoholics. So, we used government funds to construct a community hall. Since then, it has been regularly used by the neighbourhood,” he told The Hindu.

Ms. Ramya said that the hall was constructed using BBMP funds, estimated at approximately ₹25 lakh. After verifying the records, BBMP officials visited the site and took possession of the hall, she added.

Mr. Krishnabhat said, “A few days ago, BBMP officials took the keys to the hall and informed us of the plan to convert it into a hospital. This came as a shock to us, as the hall has been in regular use.” He claimed that local residents have maintained the hall themselves, covering electricity and water costs since its construction.

On Wednesday, more than 200 residents met Ms. Ramya and submitted a letter, urging her to drop the plan. They requested that a more suitable, alternative location be identified for the veterinary hospital.

Ms. Ramya stated that she will review their request and take a decision soon.