Bengaluru, 1 August

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday said his government would take back sites allotted by civic bodies if the owners didn’t construct houses within five years of the plots being allotted to individuals. 

The directive will apply to sites allotted by agencies such as the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the erstwhile City Improvement Trust Board (CITB), civic bodies and cooperative societies. 

Shivakumar said that the government would refund the amount paid, along with interest to the owners, adding that the move was aimed at preventing vacant sites from turning into “garbage dumping grounds”.

"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 to authorities," Shivakumar told reporters after launching the ‘Freedom from Waste’ campaign near Hebbal Junction.

Asked whether the government would actually take back plots, Shivakumar replied, "There is no other option. We allot plots for people to build houses."

He noted some allottees 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 dumping sites? Even if they themselves are not dumping garbage there, they are responsible for protecting their property," Shivakumar argued.

Noting that "cleanliness is godliness," Shivakumar added that former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had said that "If you clean the front of your house, the street becomes clean. When streets become clean, the town becomes clean, and when towns become clean, the entire nation becomes clean."