The Karnataka Housing Board is said to have sold its land reserved for public garden in the Post and Telegraph Colony situated on Jewargi Road in the city. This is causing a great a harm to the residents of the locality.
   The P&T Colony was formed in the year 1992. About one acre of land was earmarked for public utility like play ground and for other activities. One portion of the land was sold to private party for construction of a commercial complex. In the remaining portion Ambedkar statue was erected. The residents of the area have been making use of this space for conducting functions and other activities. However, they can no more make use of the land for public utility purpose.
   The residents of the area have condemned the KHB for dividing the land meant for public utility to a private educational institution. But the KHB claims that it is free to deal with its land and no one could take objection for it.
   The KHB had allotted sites to public after duly reserving land for community hall, library, commercial complex, hospital, school, etc. With the passing of time the Board sold out the land to private parties for commercial purpose without leaving any lung space in the colony. The residents of the area complained that the KHB was not showing any interest in retaining space for recreation and greenery.
Basic facilities
   The colony was part of Shahabad assembly constituency and only a couple of years back it has come under the Mahanagara Palike. Underground drains have not yet been completed. Street lights are yet to be commissioned. Road construction has recently started. Despite all these inadequacies the KHB has been issuing notice to residents  asking them to cough up arrears, residents complained.
   The residents have brought the matter to the notice of the district in charge minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur. The minister instructed the KHB authorities not to harass the people of the locality.
    The residents of the area on Monday held a protest urging the KHB to suspend the work going on at the public utility space.