Large turnout for KHB sites in Mandya

The survey, being conducted by the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB), has evoked good response with a large number of residents applying for sites in Mandya. The last date for applications was June 30, but it has been extended up to July 30, following the response.

In fact, after Mandya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) distributed sites on the lake land in 2001, no other department has formed residential layouts.

Though private developers have formed layouts, the sites are priced very high. Moreover, most of them do not have necessary permission. Hence, the people are not keen to buy sites from private developers.

Now, KHB is planning to acquire 200 acres at Yelechakanhalli in Mandya taluk and has invited applications. A notification has been issued for the acquisition of the said tract of land, and a first round of talks have been held with the farmers.

A proposal has been sent to the government in this regard, said KHB Assistant Engineer B R Jagadish.

It is said, the farmers are demanding Rs 40 lakh per acre. According to the new Land Acquisition Act, there is a possibility of paying four times the market price. But, as the prices demanded by the farmers are higher than that, the process is getting delayed, he said.

The deposit to be paid by site aspirants is proportionate to the size of sites. It is Rs 3,000 for EWS, Rs 5,000 for LIG, Rs 10,000 for MIG and Rs 15,000 for HIG.
According to KHB officials, more than 4,000 people have applied so far.

MUDA

MUDA too had taken up a demand survey in July 2007. In all, 29,880 people had applied for sites and the authority had collected Rs 1.75 crore from application fee alone.

The money has been deposited into the bank account of the development authority. There were plans to acquire lands at Bevinahalli, Kirganduru, Kyathumgare, and Guthalu in the taluk to develop sites for distribution. However, it did not take off. The amount deposited by site aspirants too were not returned.