Rising maintenance costs in Bengaluru apartments due to water and security expenses
Bengaluru: The maintenance charges in Bengaluru's apartment complexes have seen a significant increase, primarily driven by the rising costs of water and security. Many residents are now facing higher monthly expenses, with water charges being a major contributor due to the reduced supply from the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the increasing reliance on expensive tanker water.
At Trifecta Starlight in Garudacharpalya, the monthly water expenses per flat have surged from Rs 415 to Rs 1,500 since April. Pradeep Chenthati, the treasurer of the complex, noted that their maintenance costs are expected to rise from Rs 1 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 1.22 crore this financial year.
Similarly, Nikoo Homes-1 in Bhartiya City, a large complex with over 2,400 flats, has seen a 21% increase in water charges in 2023-24, on top of a 14% rise the previous year. Maintenance costs in this complex have also risen by over 10%, with rates per square foot increasing for the first time in several years.
Security expenses are another factor driving up maintenance costs. Complexes are facing challenges due to the increasing number of e-commerce delivery personnel entering the premises. To manage this, some complexes have deployed additional security and installed tracking devices to monitor visitors. At SMD Altezz in Kadugodi, security costs have risen as the complex has taken measures to restrict the movement of delivery personnel after 10:30 pm.
The Bengaluru Apartments’ Federation (BAF) has reported that Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are struggling to keep maintenance charges below Rs 7,500 per month, with the 18% GST applied to charges exceeding this amount adding to the financial burden on residents.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
