Now, denotification surfaces in Gulbarga

Four acres denotified under political influence

The GUDA had acquired an extent of 157 acres in Kotnoor (D) on the outskirts of Gulbarga, about three years ago. The final notification for acquisition was also issued and the Authority had even took the possession of the land.

The volte-face

According to the documents in possession of Deccan Herald, Dr S R Umesh, whose land was acquired, had sought to drop his four acres from acquisition since he had constructed two tombs on the land, in memory of his parents.

The secretary to Urban Development Department, in his letter dated June 28, 2011 addressed to the GUDA commissioner, rejected the request, terming it improper.

After three days, the same secretary issued an order on July 2, 2011 directing to drop the land from acquisition, “keeping in mind the sentiments.”

On the other hand, the Gulbarga Circuit Bench of the High Court while dismissing the plea of Dr Umesh to spare  his land from acquisition, had ruled that the tombs and a reasonable space be excluded from acquisition.

Deputy Commissioner R Vishal, who till recently held the charge of GUDA chairman, told Deccan Herald that under the present provisions, land once acquired cannot be denotified under any circumstance and the matter had been brought to the notice of the Government. However, it is being suspected that ‘influential politicians’ of the district have prevailed on Urban Development minister Suresh Kumar, to denotify the land.

B C Poojary, GUDA Commissioner said the Authority is already in possession of the land and layout formation is on. “If any portion of the land is denotified, the layout formation will be affected,” he added.