BENGALURU: Concerns rise over proposed fund allocation in infrastructure development within Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, the proposal by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to borrow around Rs 1,000 crore from public sector banks by mortgaging 2,500 vacant corner sites in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout is being opposed by those who have bought sites within the layout.
The Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout Open Forum (NKLOF) wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 6, appealing to him to direct the BDA to utilise the funds generated by mortgaging the corner vacant sites for the completion of developmental works within Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, rather than proposing to allocate those funds for the development of other layouts managed by the BDA.
“The BDA is at liberty to generate funds for the development of layouts under its jurisdiction. However, its decision to allocate funds raised by mortgaging vacant corner sites of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout for the development of other layouts is concerning,” the NKLOF stated in the letter to the Chief Minister.
The letter mentioned that the BDA has allocated sites to 10,000 allottees since 2016, collecting the cost of sites as per market price. “The BDA has auctioned approximately 2,500 corner sites, and most of the civic amenity (CA) sites have also been distributed. All pending developmental works could have been completed had the BDA utilised the funds generated by auctioning the corner sites and allocating the CA sites,” the letter stated.
It further highlighted that individuals who have purchased sites in some blocks of the layout are encountering difficulties in constructing their homes due to the absence of basic amenities such as roads, electricity, and water supply. “The construction of 30 ft, 40 ft, and 50 ft roads is limited to only a few blocks within the layout. Most of the electrical equipment installed within the layout is being stolen due to the absence of electricity. The work on the electrical sub-station remains incomplete, and the tender for the construction of four sub-stations is yet to be floated,” the letter explained.Rajajinagar MLA S Suresh Kumar, in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of the State Election Commission on April 6, urged measures to halt the BDA from settling contractors’ bills for works at Shivaram Karanth Layout using funds from mortgaging corner sites in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout. He highlighted concerns over this plan, which emerged after the model code of conduct came into effect on March 15. Kumar emphasised the need for the BDA to refrain from making any payments to contractors until after the Lok Sabha elections.
