Resident complaint snowballs into civic issue; GBA notice ignored, no action on ground

BENGALURU: What began as a resident’s complaint about unauthorised commercial activity in a quiet Koramangala street has now escalated into a larger civic issue, with authorities issuing notices but failing to enforce action on the ground.


Gilbert Millicent Nathan resident of 4th Block, Koramangala had written to GBA, erstwhile BBMP officials in November 2025 alleging that a residential building on 3rd Cross, 16th Main Road was being used by a private EV battery firm for R&D, testing and assembly operations.


“The commercial building has caused series of issues, primarily , congestion, safety risks and loss of privacy, and they have grown over two years with increase staff strength of over 40 people. These people are often partying and causing inconvenience to the neighbourhood,” Gilbert told TOI. Adding: “The safety of my daughters has become a huge concern for us. The EV owners are not respecting our privacy or are they abiding the rules of GBA.”


The issue was subsequently taken up by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), whose Health Officer (BTM Zone) issued a formal notice on October 11, 2025, confirming that the company was carrying out commercial activities in a residential zone. The notice cited complaints of noise and air pollution and acknowledged that an inspection found prima facie merit in the residents’ claims.


The GBA directed the firm to cease operations within seven days, warning that failure to comply would invite action including closure of the establishment.


A senior GBA official confirmed the issue and said, “We have issued multiple notices, but they have failed to comply. We will soon take strict action. However, they claim to have obtained NOCs from residents and clearances from various departments, so we need to verify the extent of the violations.”

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