HC quashes BDA’s land acquisition as its ‘vertical development’ falls flat

After the success of flats constructed by the BDA across the city, to cater to the housing requirements of citizens of Bengaluru, the planning body had decided to go in for vertical development at the Kempegowda Layout. The BDA had earmarked an exclusive 500 acres of land at land acquired for the Kempegowda layout where about 1.2 lakh flats have been proposed to come up, said sources in the BDA.

Since the proposed Kempegowda Layout was planned at strategic locations between Mysore Road and Magadi Road and behind NICE corridor, the BDA had hoped for bigger demand for flats. The higher connectivity with Mysore Road and NICE road would have more scope for vertical development, added sources.

The BDA has proposed 60,000 flats of one BHK (Bedroom, Hall, Kitchen), 35,000 flats of 2 BHK and 25,000 3 BHK flats. The BDA also thought that unlike other layouts, houses would come up quickly on Kempegowda Layout as flats would be occupied soon and there would be movement of people, although located on the outskirts of the city, added sources.

Unfortunately, following a batch of petitions filed by many including R. Shankaran and others, the high court recently quashed 4,000 acres of land acquired for the layout formation. The BDA is considering apprising the high court about the development and now wants to appeal, seeking approval for land acquisition in the larger interest of the public. The BDA had acquired the land by paying huge monetary compensation. The court quashed the acquisition process stating that the acquisition procedure was improper and illegal.

Sources added that the BDA has paid compensation from its exchequer to land losers. In the case of all those who had refused to accept compensation, the money was deposited in the bank. Meanwhile, some of the farmers have agreed t 40:60 sharing of developed land and are happy with the BDA's plan.