HDUDA plans to construct three apartments in Hubballi-Dharwad

Land unavailability, complicated procedures force it to go for apartments

Hubballi: Following the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Karnataka Housing Board (KHB)’s plans to build apartments in Bengaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA) has also proposed the construction of three apartment complexes, totalling 160 flats, in Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities. 

The HDUDA has identified places at Gandhi Nagar, Lakkammanahalli and Tadasinkoppa near Dharwad. The HDUDA plans to construct 50 flats of 2BHK at Gandhi Nagar, 50 flats of 1BHK at another site in Lakkammanahalli and 60 flats of 1BHK at Tadasinkoppa. All these flats will come up in G+4  apartments with all amenities, including parking, lift and more.

According to an officer, developing layouts has become difficult due to the non-availability of land and complicated procedures. Therefore, to provide houses to needy people at affordable prices, they have planned to construct apartments at its sites. As of now, they plan to construct three apartments, once they get a good response from the public, they will construct more apartments and commercial complexes in the twin cities.

Big hurdle

The HDUDA has been struggling to develop layouts on its own due to complicated procedures, rules and regulations set by the government. When HDUDA wishes to develop a layout on a joint venture with farmers (land owners), it takes months (sometimes years) to get approval from the government. But, when a private developer plans to develop a layout, HDUDA itself gives permission. Even in HDUDA layouts, it has to keep 25% of layout land for parks and civic amenities (CA), but in private layouts, 20% of the land for parks and CA sites is allowed.

“All these procedures, rules and regulations are a big hurdle in developing layouts. Therefore we have planned to promote vertical growth of the twin cities by constructing residential apartments,” says HDUDA Chairman Shakir Sanadi.

For the construction of the apartments, HDUDA estimated Rs 45 crore cost, which was recently presented in its budget and also got passed in its general body meeting. The HDUDA has funds to construct the apartments.

Proposal readied

Sanadi said: “We are preparing a proposal and soon will approach the government for permission to start the work. Once the government gives permission, we will develop flats and allot them to the people at an affordable price.”

‘Costly affair’

The land prices are skyrocketing in Hubballi-Dharwad, and people who don’t wish to go to the outskirts of the city to live in independent houses, opt for flats. The private developers charge Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000 per sq ft for the flats with all amenities. If a person wishes to buy a flat of approximately 1000 sqft, he has to pay Rs 30 lakh to Rs 70 lakh and taxes. Therefore, dreaming of owning a flat has become very costlier.

‘New price benchmark’

Civic activist Dr M C Sindhur said private players charge exorbitant rates. If the HDUDA constructs flats with all modern amenities and sells them at an affordable price, it will set a new price benchmark in the housing sector, compelling the private players to reduce their flats’ prices in the twin cities.