With only 1BHK flats on offer, BDA allotment draws thin crowd

The second draw of lots conducted by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on Thursday to allot flats to applicants did not see a huge rush as unlike the previous round, the allotment was limited to one-bedroom apartments.

Although the BDA had notified 1,418 flats, only 947 of them were allotted to those belonging to the general, economically weaker section and SC/ST categories in Alur, Doddabanahalli, Gunjur, Kaniminike, Malagala, Thippasandra and Valagerahalli. The remaining flats were held back because they are not yet complete. They would be allotted in the third round.

Unlike the previous draw, this time flats were allotted based on the number of attempts, age and financial status of the applicants. Still, some applicants made it in the first attempt itself.

Youngest allottee

Among them was Shruthi B S, one of the youngest allottees. The 24-year-old wanted to be independent and own a property in Bengaluru as early as possible. She was allotted a flat in Alur.“I cannot buy a site and construct a house. So I decided to apply for a flat and feel lucky to have got one. I will now apply for a loan, repay it in instalments and move into the flat with my family at the earliest,”  she said.

Pushpa R, from Jayanagar, also got a flat in Alur. “I’ve been living in Bengaluru for the last seven years and always wanted a space of my own. When I decided to have one, I learnt about these flats and immediately applied, and lo behold, I succeeded.”

Deepak Malagi, who was also allotted a flat in Alur, said he always wanted a property developed by the government as it would be reliable, unlike those developed by private builders.

“Also, the price is within my budget, and given the scarcity of sites, flats are a welcome option.”  Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhatt said: “There was more crowd in the first round because lots were drawn for all kinds of flats. This time, the allotment is limited to one-bedroom flats and based on preferences. So the turnout appears low.”

On the spot

Explaining the allotment procedure, Bhat said that the allottees were shortlisted and picked by lottery. Thereafter, flat and block numbers were announced on the spot based on the locality opted by the allottees.

Allotment letters would be gradually sent by mail and allottees will have to pay in four instalments.Intimation letters will be posted to allottees who were absent at the allotment.

Third allotment

Those who have not been allotted flats can apply again in the third round of lottery that will take place for two- and three-bedroom flats after four months.
Applicants can get their queries and problems solved at the lok adalat to be held on December 2 and 3.