Minister Byrathi Suresh wants to identify only genuine buyers

Mysore/Mysuru: After facing challenges in launching the ambitious Group Housing Scheme, despite conducting a physical demand survey and introducing an app for the same purpose, the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is contemplating another demand survey. In this new survey, applicants will be required to deposit Rs. 1 lakh along with their applications.

The 2021 demand survey by MUDA garnered over 47,000 applications. Now the authority seeks to assess genuine demand by asking applicants to submit Rs. 1 lakh, ensuring that only serious candidates secure the housing, thereby filtering out others.

The previous demand survey prompted MUDA to proceed with the construction of multi-storeyed apartments, already granted administrative clearance. Plans for 1,960 flats, encompassing 1 BHK and 2 BHK units affordable to the general public, are in place.

While MUDA acknowledges the challenge of providing plots for all site aspirants due to land scarcity and its premium, potentially derailing the dreams of many citizens, it aims to identify only genuine beneficiaries. The decision to ask for a Rs. 1 lakh deposit aligns with the directive from Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, emphasising the identification of genuine buyers.

The proposed construction site is at Dattagalli, located between the residence of Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and Ramakrishnanagar, where 390 units will be built on a 3.08-acre plot. The DPR for the project is ready and submitted to the State Government. Similar apartments are planned across the city, including a 4-acre plot in Vijayanagar 2nd stage for over 500 houses.

MUDA’s possession of an eight-acre plot in Vijayanagar 3rd Stage, freed from legal complications, is also earmarked for group housing. Positioned conveniently near Hinkal and the Ring Road, this location is ideal for the Group Housing Project, offering essential amenities and facilities.

If launched, the project signifies MUDA’s shift to a vertical growth model due to land scarcity and the impracticality of continuous horizontal expansion. MUDA had previously explored vertical group housing projects using the Bengaluru Development Authority model, facing delays due to slow Government approvals.

Earlier plans included constructing 550 houses at Vijayanagar 4th Stage, 250 at Dattagalli and 300 houses at Gokulam, totalling 1,100 houses. Despite preparing Detailed Project Reports for these ambitious projects, involving 13-storeyed (G+12) structures at each site, they have not progressed due to Government inaction.