Karnataka CM warns land beneficiaries: Build home in 5 years or lose plot
CM Shivakumar clarifies that move is aimed at preventing vacant sites from turning into garbage dumps, promising refunds with interest
The beneficiaries of plots allotted by the Karnataka government will have to give these back and the government will refund the amount they paid along with interest if the beneficiaries fail to construct houses within five years, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has warned.
The agencies allotting such plots include the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the erstwhile City Improvement Trust Board (CITB), civic bodies, and cooperative societies. Shivakumar clarified on Saturday (August 1) that the move was aimed at preventing vacant sites from turning into garbage dumps. He asserted that the beneficiaries have a responsibility to build houses and maintain those.
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“Whether it is a BDA or a Corporation site, the owner must ensure it is kept clean. Therefore, a house must be constructed within five years of obtaining the site. If it is not, either double tax will be imposed or the site will be returned,” Shivakumar told reporters after launching the “Freedom from Waste” campaign near Hebbal Junction in Bengaluru.
‘Beneficiaries have a duty to build houses’
Asked whether the government would actually take back plots where no houses were built, Shivakumar replied, “There is no other option. We will have to do it. We allot plots for people to build houses.” He said some beneficiaries had failed to construct houses even after 20, 30, or 40 years.
“We will refund the money they paid, along with interest, and resume the plot. Those who obtained plots from CITB, BDA or cooperative societies have a duty to build houses. How can they leave the plots without even constructing a compound wall and allow them to become garbage dumps?”
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Shivakumar said the government was committed to keeping Bengaluru clean and expected property owners to discharge their civic responsibility too. “Even if they are not dumping garbage themselves, they are responsible for protecting their property,” the chief minister asserted.
(With agency inputs)