Mangaluru: District-in-Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday inspected the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) layouts at Kunjathbail and Konaje, reviewing ongoing development works and site allotment challenges.
Minister inspects MUDA layouts
During the inspection, the minister held discussions with MUDA Commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, Chairman Sadashiva Ullal, and Deputy Commissioner Darshan H. V. He emphasised the need to complete pending works and accelerate progress to make the layouts more marketable.
Konaje layout nearing completion
Speaking to reporters, Dinesh Gundu Rao said that he had directed officials to complete the work on the Konaje layout by November. He noted that progress was being made in laying roads and establishing electricity connections.
“The location of the Konaje layout is excellent. Once the infrastructure work is completed, buyers will readily come forward to pay the full amount,” he stated.
Kunjathbail layout struggles with pricing and demand
Addressing the Kunjathbail layout, the minister acknowledged that high site prices were a major reason for the poor response from buyers.
“Some pending works are still incomplete. Once the infrastructure is ready, there will be a need to actively market the sites so that buyers show interest,” he added. The Deputy Commissioner has been directed to review the progress of all three MUDA layouts every month.
MUDA’s earlier concerns and land acquisition issues
Recently, Dinesh Gundu Rao chaired a review meeting at MUDA, during which he expressed dissatisfaction over the land acquisition process for the Kunjathbail project. He had termed it a loss-making venture, pointing out that a large amount was already paid for land acquisition, yet the project failed to generate returns for MUDA.
Kunjathbail layout details
MUDA developed a total of 208 sites on 17.49 acres of land in survey numbers 6/1, 6/2, 6/3, 6/4, 6/5, 6B, 6/13A, 6/13B, 6/14, and 5/4 at Kunjathbail.
In 2023, MUDA decided to allot 182 sites through a lottery system, but the response from buyers was disappointing due to the high site rate of ₹8.5 lakh per cent.
The site sizes range between 1.33 cents to 7.12 cents, distributed as follows:
- 57 sites measuring 1.33 cents each
- 21 sites of 2.67 cents
- 20 sites of 4.45 cents
- 34 sites of 5.32 cents
- 5 sites of 7.12 cents
In addition, a few odd-sized plots are also available.
Infrastructure and amenities developed
Despite low buyer turnout, MUDA has developed 30 to 40 feet-wide roads, parks, open spaces, and walking and cycling tracks in the layout. The authority hopes that the improved infrastructure and amenities will attract buyers once the pricing issue is addressed.
Way forward
Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reiterated that the government’s priority is to complete the Konaje project within the deadline and review progress on MUDA’s layouts regularly. He added that proactive marketing and better pricing strategies would be essential to ensure that the Kunjathbail layout becomes viable in the long run.