BDA illegally converted 94 CA sites into residential plots in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout: Minister D.K. Shivakumar
The Hindu
Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar informed the legislative Assembly about the alleged deviation while responding to a question by former Urban Development Minister S. Suresh Kumar.
Bengaluru
Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) illegally converted 94 Civic Amenity (CA) sites and land marked for parks, spread over 64 acres, in Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout (NPK) into residential plots. This will deny residents of the layout parks, playgrounds and other common amenities.
Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar informed the legislative Assembly about the alleged deviation while responding to a question by former Urban Development Minister S. Suresh Kumar.
In 2014, the Karnataka government issued notification to acquire 4043.27 acres of land for formation of NPK Layout, of 387.20 acres were earmarked for 147 CA sites. After land acquisition, 2694.26 acres were handed over to the engineering department of the BDA for development of the layout, in which 177 CA sites were proposed, spread over 232 acres. However, till date, the BDA has developed only 107 CA sites.
Once a portion of the layout is notified as a CA site, park or playground, engineers do not have the authority to change the plan. In case of change of plan, the BDA has to separately issue a public notice.
Mr. Shivakumar revealed that 94 CA sites, spread over 64 acres, had been diverted and converted into residential plots without following the due process. He added that an investigation would be carried out to assess the loss incurred due to this illegal conversion, and errant officials will be punished.
Former BDA chairman S.R. Vishwanath said that a probe was launched into the alleged deviation while he was at the helm. “About 30 engineers were found to be involved in the deviation. However, BDA officials seem to have misled the Minister and claimed that a probe would be launched. Actually, the probe was almost complete when I was chairman of BDA,” he said.
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