Nearly 5.92 Lakh Bhopal Homes Are Illegal, Violates BVR-2012 And Over 5,000 Dilapidated Structures Raise Safety Concerns

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: A staggering 5.92 lakh homes within the city's 7.4 lakh census houses have some form of illegal construction or rule violation, with about 80% of the city's dwellings contravening the Madhya Pradesh Bhumi Vikas Rules (BVR), 2012. The sheer scale of unauthorized constructions, coupled with thousands of aging structures, has sparked concerns over public safety.

The issue gained urgency following a house collapse in Indore that killed four women workers and injured five others, mirroring previous incidents in Bhopal. In July 2024, a roof collapse in Ibrahimpur injured two people, while in August 2025, a balcony and wall collapse in Kabadkhana critically injured three pedestrians and damaged vehicles.

Town and Country Planning (T&CP) officials clarify that surveys and actions against illegal constructions are conducted under the BVR, 2012, empowering building officers to inspect properties, halt non-compliant construction, and cancel permissions. Authorities can issue notices for use of buildings in violation, demanding compliance within ten days.

Written permission is mandatory for construction, reconstruction, alteration, or demolition, except for minor works like partitions, false ceilings, gardening, whitewashing, and opening or closing doors and windows. Of the 3,285 House Listing Blocks surveyed across 21 BMC zones, 5,23,328 residential houses, 1,18,159 vacant houses, 7,622 locked dwellings, and 1,08,991 other dwellings were recorded, with 7.4 lakh households surveyed.

About 5,000 dilapidated buildings, including 2,464 government structures, have been identified. While notices are reportedly issued, particularly before monsoon, questions linger on timely action to avert accidents. Old Bhopal boasts over 75 buildings aged between 60 and 100 years, with Jahangirabad and Shahjahanabad housing nearly 300 dilapidated structures and weak walls.

At Janta Quarters, around 600 Housing Board flats accommodate nearly 2,000 people, despite redevelopment remaining pending for four years. Old Subhash Nagar and Gautam Nagar boast more than 327 dilapidated buildings. Violations of marginal open spaces, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), and building development rules are prevalent across the city.

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