The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Surplus land to be auctioned

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 09, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Surplus land to be auctioned

Special Correspondent

The land near Devanahalli airport is expected to fetch Rs. 2,000 crore

Bangalore: Minister for Medical Education V.S. Acharya has said that the State Cabinet has decided to sell through public auction 408 acres of surplus land vested with the Bangalore International Airport Authority at Devanahalli, about 35 km from Bangalore. Of the total land acquired for the international airport, 408 acres were now in excess following what has been stated as a re-alignment of the main runway.

Speaking to presspersons on Thursday, Dr. Acharya said with several vested interests having an eye on the precious property (excess land), the Government decided to frame guidelines for the sale of it.

The 408 acres would be split into relatively small pieces of 25 acres and 50 acres and put to auction. The expectation of the Government was that it would net revenue of not less than Rs. 2,000 crore and this would be utilised for other development activities.

The Government had earlier contemplated to give the land on long-term lease to interested parties, but with difficulties in getting back its properties, the Government had thought it fit to dispose of the property.

Dr. Acharya said the State Cabinet also gave its approval for a wine policy which would be on the same lines as that prevailing in Maharashtra. The wine policy would not merely give a boost to the grape growers but also to wine exporters.

A similar policy for promoting cashew and another for toddy was also under the consideration of the Government.

The Cabinet also approved the preparation of project reports for minor airports in the district headquarters of Gulbarga, Mysore, Hassan, Shimoga and Raichur and Kushalnagar in Madikeri. Approval had also been given for the construction of 20 helipads in various parts of the State. Further, approval had also been given for a 24 million litres per day drinking water scheme for the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad. Water would be sourced from the Malaprabha.

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