<p>The allotment of ‘G’ category sites under the chief minister’s discretionary quota came under scanner over allegations of nepotism. The long list of benefactors stirred up a political storm with Opposition parties levelling a slew of charges against the government. So much so that the Karnataka High Court on Dec 16 observed that the government had no power to direct the BDA to allot sites under ‘G’ category.<br /><br />However, notwithstanding the controversy, the civic body has floated the concept of developing townships in its layouts. Commissioner Siddaiah had stated that integrated townships were the future of the city. The first set of townships will be built on the largest layout formed in Bangalore - Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout - estimated to comprise about 10,000 sites. The project is likely to be executed under public-private partnership model and will be replicated in the layouts under formation. Of course, the agency is also waging a legal battle to recover and secure its land bank.<br /><br />With over 2.5 lakh citizens in queue anxiously awaiting allotment of a site, the BDA is expected to realise the writing on the wall in the new year.</p>
<p>The allotment of ‘G’ category sites under the chief minister’s discretionary quota came under scanner over allegations of nepotism. The long list of benefactors stirred up a political storm with Opposition parties levelling a slew of charges against the government. So much so that the Karnataka High Court on Dec 16 observed that the government had no power to direct the BDA to allot sites under ‘G’ category.<br /><br />However, notwithstanding the controversy, the civic body has floated the concept of developing townships in its layouts. Commissioner Siddaiah had stated that integrated townships were the future of the city. The first set of townships will be built on the largest layout formed in Bangalore - Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout - estimated to comprise about 10,000 sites. The project is likely to be executed under public-private partnership model and will be replicated in the layouts under formation. Of course, the agency is also waging a legal battle to recover and secure its land bank.<br /><br />With over 2.5 lakh citizens in queue anxiously awaiting allotment of a site, the BDA is expected to realise the writing on the wall in the new year.</p>
