JOIN USRaghavendra, who is also the director of Dhavalagiri Private Limited, has sought permission from SUDA to convert utilisation of 17.1 acre land at survey number 3, 4, 5 and 6 he owns near Malligenahalli on the outskirts of the City from residential to commercial purpose in 2008. The proposal was immediately approved by SUDA.
Raghavendra’s company is planning to construct a star hotel on the land located adjacent to National Highway 206, to take advantage of the tourist traffic to Jog and Kodachadri. An engineering and management college owned by the Yeddyurappa family is located nearby. Also close by is the famous lion safari of Thyavarekoppa.
Malligenahalli, a tiny, sleepy hamlet before the Chief Minister’s family bought land, has been recipient of liberal development grants from the State government since then. The village was later included under the purview of the City Municipal Council.
Of the 17.1 acres, the Deputy Commissioner approved conversion of 6.05 acres for residential purpose (order number ALN/SR/492/503/99-2000) in 2000. The land meant for residential purpose was handed over to Dhavalagiri Private Limited later in clear contravention of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act 1961 and Land Ownership Act.
What has raised eyebrows is that SUDA approving the proposal to construct the star hotel on the land without examining fresh drafts, maps on the proposed use of the property and records on land alienation, which in any case, were not furnished.
A notification was published in a local Kannada daily on April 15, 2008 inviting objections against the conversion. Interestingly, the lone objector did not turn up when asked to submit the exact reasons in writing. The SUDA then dismissed the objection and approved the proposal.