Arkavathi allottees want sites in KG Layout, BDA has other plans

Even as the site allottees of Arkavathi Layout are hoping for a site in the upcoming Kempegowda (KG) Layout of the BDA, the latter is in the process of identifying and acquiring 30 acres of land around Arkavathi Layout to give them sites.

According to BDA records, there are 1,900-2,000 allottees of Arkavathi Layout who are yet to get a site.

“These people cannot be given sites in the Kempegowda Layout. So, we are in the process of surveying areas in and around Arkavathi Layout. We need around 30 acres of land. Either we will acquire land or search for scattered sites within the layout and provide them to the allottees. The BDA Commissioner has ordered to complete the identification process in a month, by December,” BDA secretary P S Kantharaj told Deccan Herald.

Exorbitant prices
Another BDA official said they were unable to give sites in Kempegowda Layout because the prices were very high compared to Arkavathi Layout and it would become a financial burden on them.

Ten years ago, Arkavathi Layout allottees had purchased sites at Rs 200 per square foot (psqft). In Kempegowda Layout, the rate ranges from Rs 1800-2500 psqft.

Arkavathi Layout Allottees' Association (ALAA) president G Shivaprakash said that as per BDA Act, if an allottee cannot be given a site in the said layout, he should be given an alternative site in subsequent layouts and allottees need not apply again. BDA officials have the powers to do so. There are around 2,000-3,000 such allottees and have pinned their hopes on sites at Kempegowda layout. We will request the BDA to look into this, he said.

The present land value in and around Arkavathi Layout has shot up to Rs 2,500-4,000 psqft.

The BDA has taken this decision in haste and will be a challenge for them as they cannot acquire land based on 10-year-old rules. They will have to go by the new acquisition process and this will take time. Also most areas have been developed by private builders and space is a constraint, said ALAA secretary Sanjay Malrecha.