Bengaluru starts vacant-plot cleanup; costs to go on property tax bills

Bengaluru’s civic authorities began cleaning unmaintained vacant plots on August 27 after an August 22 deadline for owners to clear their sites.

Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda asked owners to clear and maintain vacant plots themselves. He said officials have been directed to identify sites needing cleanup, issue notices to owners and carry out the work if they do not comply. The cost will be added to the owner’s property-tax dues.

For a 20x30 plot, the cleaning charge can be ₹25,900; for a 50x80 plot, it can reach ₹1,74,700. Gowda said only around 20% of owners responded before the deadline.

The campaign is due to intensify from August 31, with civic teams taking up work on identified sites.