The Hindu : Karnataka News : Opposition to auction of land in Devaraj Urs layout

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 12, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Others

Opposition to auction of land in Devaraj Urs layout

By Our Staff Correspondent

DAVANGERE, JAN. 11. A few members of Davangere Urban Development Authority have disagreed with the decision of the authority to convert 3.5 acres of land in Devaraj Urs layout that is reserved for government buildings into commercial sites and auctioning them.

Propriety questioned

At a special meeting of the authority here on Tuesday, H. Anjaneya, Bharama Sagara MLA; S.A. Ravindranath, Mayakonda MLA; Shivanna Tiluvalli, Ranibennur MLA; and H.S. Shivashankar, MLC; were seemingly shocked when the auction papers were presented seeking their approval and questioned the propriety of selling the reserved lands.

Mr. Anjaneya said that 20 years ago, the then chairman and members of the authority had visited different cities and towns in the State and had formed town planning for Davangere.

They had reserved 3.5 acres attached to the highway for the construction of government offices with a view to help the public. He pointed out that government offices were situated in different parts of the city, causing great inconvenience to the people.

`No authority'

He demanded that the sites, which were converted and auctioned, should be cancelled and used to help the public. All the elected representatives supported him. He also pointed out that the commissioner had no authority to auction the lands unless the authority approved it.

The chairman of the authority, Shoukath Ali, said that if the present auction were to be cancelled then the sites sold in last 20 years would also have to be cancelled. The authority had decided to auction the reserved lands, as its financial condition was poor. He said that it did not have the capacity to pay back the amount collected through the auction.

Mr. Ravindranath said that the lands were auctioned for nominal price and that the lands. The nominated members of the authority, Anwekar and Basavarajappa, urged the MLAs and the MLC to approve the auction.

The commissioner, Balakrishna, said that the authority would have to pay Rs. 1.42 crores if it were to cancel the auction. Mr. Ravindranath suggested that the authority to avail loans and return the money to those who had purchased the lands in the auction.

Inquiry

The Davangere MLA, Shyamanur Shivashankarappa, suggested to keep the matter in abeyance as the Government had ordered an inquiry into the matter. The members agreed on a condition that the officials of the authority did not proceed with the auction.

They also questioned the authority's expenditure of Rs.1.16 crores in J.H. Patel extension, as no development work had been taken up. Roads and drainages were not laid and water and power supply was also not given. They urged the authority to order an inquiry into the issue.

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