Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday declared that the state government will repossess residential plots allotted by various government agencies and cooperative housing societies if beneficiaries fail to construct houses within a five-year timeframe. The significant announcement, made during the launch of the 'Freedom from Waste' cleanliness campaign near Hebbal Junction in Bengaluru, addresses the pervasive issue of vacant sites contributing to garbage accumulation and overall urban neglect.
Under the new policy, allottees will receive a full refund of their paid amount along with applicable interest before the government reclaims the plots. Chief Minister Shivakumar highlighted that many individuals have held onto plots for decades—some for 20, 30, or even 40 years—without any construction. This decision applies to allotments made by the former City Improvement Trust Board (CITB), the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA), municipal corporations, and cooperative housing societies.
Shivakumar underscored plot owners' fundamental responsibility to protect and maintain their properties. He noted that vacant sites lacking compound walls frequently become unauthorised dumping grounds. The Chief Minister also announced stricter enforcement measures against illegal solid waste disposal, directing police to seize vehicles caught dumping garbage without proper authorisation. Despite previous notices and surveillance camera installations, illegal dumping had resumed, prompting this decisive action.
Emphasising that Bengaluru belongs to its residents, Shivakumar appealed for broad public participation in maintaining cleanliness. He urged non-governmental organisations, resident associations, and other civic groups to adopt roads and localities. The government welcomes such initiatives, seeing public involvement as crucial for the campaign's success. Shivakumar also hinted at a major green initiative for Bengaluru, with details expected during the government's upcoming 100-day programme.
Prominent figures present at the launch included Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, Karnataka Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George, Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, MLA S.R. Vishwanath, and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News