Growing cities and affordable housing

Sir,

This refers to the news item “MUDA’s Group Housing Project of 2017 awaiting Govt. nod” (Star of Mysore dated Nov. 4). Providing decent, affordable housing is a challenge, especially in growing cities, with demand far exceeding supply. The population in our city has grown fourfold and the chase to own a ‘dream house’ is no less intense. Group housing will mitigate this problem to some extent, as scarce land is unaffordable for many.

Efficient land use and converting under-utilised urban land for affordable housing is important. Agencies like MUDA, City Corporation and Karnataka Housing Board should think of building 3 to 4 storied flats after demolishing stand-alone single unit government quarters/properties, mostly dilapidated, which have served their purpose.

Star of Mysore had published my letter sometime back where I had written about the Police Quarters in Jalapuri, for example, which are constantly under repair. Tax-payers’ money is simply wasted every now and then on these houses. A good number of government servants can be additionally accommodated if such housing projects are undertaken.

‘Land hoarding’ should be completely discouraged. No concrete efforts have been taken by the authorities to take back some 50,000 sites lying vacant, allotted more than ten years ago and being unutilised by the allottees who have violated the rules. These sites can be allotted to those who are wait-listed.

Procrastination from the authorities is deadly and will not help people in their efforts to own a house and be happy!

– Mubasher Mirza , Bannimantap ‘C’ Layout, 5.11.2019