Works by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) at the Dr Shivaram Karanth Layout.
Credit: DH Photo/B K Janardhan
Bengaluru: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has initiated the process to extend the Dr K Shivaram Karanth Layout into 18 more villages even as 33,000 sites in the layout have remained unallotted for over a year now.
The proposed expansion — adding nearly 3,000 acres to the 3,500 acres already developed — comes as the original land-losers continue to wait for compensation.
The places identified for the expansion are primarily located in the northern parts of Bengaluru, particularly in the areas close to the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) corridor. These include "villages with urban characteristics", such as Soldevanahalli, Chikbanavara, JB Kaval and Mavallipura.
The BDA seems to be in a hurry to get the job done.
In an internal directive dated May 5, BDA Commissioner N Jayaram instructed officials to complete the groundwork within 10 days, explicitly asking them to forgo leave during this period.
The BDA had earlier formed four teams — each led by a Special Land Acquisition Officer — to carry out land surveys, identify suitable plots, collect ownership records and prepare site sketches. These teams are being supported by surveyors.
“We have nearly completed the field survey and preparation of the development scheme,” Jayaram told DH. “We plan to submit the proposal to the government by the end of this week. Once approved, the land acquisition process will commence.”
A senior BDA official indicated that the extension could surpass the initially planned 3,000 acres as the extension of layout falls in the vicinity of the upcoming PRR project.
“There is ample undeveloped land in the northern belt. With the PRR set to boost connectivity, we expect significant housing demand. That’s why we’re getting started early,” the official said.