Visakhapatnam: The ruling coalition partner in the state government, BJP had reiterated its demand that Vuda should shun the auction of housing plots instead allot them through draw of lots. BJP had earlier demanded cancellation of auctions conducted by Vuda in a layout developed 40 kms away from the city in Dakamarri which had fetched whopping price of Rs 16,400 per square yard.
BJP leaders on Tuesday met the Vuda vice-chairman T. Babu Rao Naidu and demanded the cancellation of the auction system and allot the plots through drawl of lots. “The recently conducted open auction for plots in Fortune Hills Layout at Dakamarri, doesn’t contribute to the housing for all goal of the Centre and state governments. Instead of providing the housing plots to the homeless middle class and low income groups, this policy aids the artificial real estate boom which hinders the growth of the city, said BJP city president M. Nagendra.
“Visakhapatnam, selected as SMART city is growing at a rapid rate and the prices of land developed by private developers are already far beyond the purchasing capacity of the middle class and the common people. Vuda which is primarily responsible for the preparation of Master Plan and development as per Master Plan also has the responsibility of providing housing for the common man at reasonable price,” said Mr Nagendra.
BJP party had made several agitation and representations in the past opposing the auction of Vuda housing plots. Most of the Vuda housing plots auctioned in the past are still vacant clearly indicating the role of vested interests, he added. “Instead of raising funds by auction of housing plots, Vuda should use the thousands of crores being collected from Visakhapatnam people by Commercial Taxes, Excise Duty, Registration fees and Development Fees etc. Commercial Plots can be auctioned to meet the development needs of Vuda,” Mr Nagendra said.
He suggested that for housing plots, Vuda should invite applications from general public having no house/site in Visakhapatnam and prepare the allotment list based on lottery system or category wise allotment systems being followed by other Urban Development Authorities. Additionally there should be a stipulation that allotted should construct and occupy the house within 3 years from the allotment date. This will aid in the overall development of the city, he added.
