Mysuru: The Mysuru district (city) BJP has urged the government to provide B-khata and basic civic amenities to residents of unauthorised revenue layouts in Mysuru city and its surrounding areas.

Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesmen K Vasanth Kumar and M A Mohan said more than 70% of revenue layouts in Mysuru are unauthorised, leaving thousands of people who purchased plots and built houses in these areas facing difficulties for decades.

BJP highlights decades-old issue

Vasanth Kumar recalled that Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar established the City Improvement Trust Board (CITB) in 1904 with the objective of developing Mysuru as a model city.

The organisation was tasked with planned urban development, including roads, underground drainage, drinking water supply, electricity connections, streetlights and parks.

He said CITB was later transformed into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). However, according to him, negligence and alleged corruption among certain officials resulted in thousands of applicants being denied plots.

Vasanth Kumar also alleged that nearly 3,800 sites were illegally distributed under the 50:50 compensation scheme, adversely affecting the reputation of the city.

Unauthorised layouts lack civic infrastructure

M A Mohan said the failure of MUDA to develop planned layouts contributed to the growth of numerous unapproved revenue layouts under the watch of officials of MUDA and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).

He alleged that landowners and developers created and sold plots without adhering to planning regulations or ensuring essential infrastructure.

According to Mohan, many such layouts continue to lack proper roads, drainage facilities, drinking water supply and garbage disposal systems.

He said thousands of residents who have purchased properties in these layouts have been facing various forms of difficulty despite having invested their savings in land and housing.

Residents allegedly facing exploitation

Mohan alleged that residents are also being exploited by original landowners, particularly when they attempt to construct houses or sell their properties.

According to him, some landowners allegedly demand money before issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

He also claimed that residents sometimes face threats from local officials over the provision of basic amenities, with allegations of bribes being sought.

Residents are further affected by pending civil litigation, partition disputes, absence of khata and other legal complications, Mohan said.

He alleged that while MCC or local panchayats collect property taxes from some residents, basic civic facilities are not provided adequately.

Earlier drive against illegal layouts recalled

Vasanth Kumar pointed to an earlier government effort to address unauthorised layouts.

He recalled that the government headed by then Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde launched a drive in 1984 to clear illegal layouts.

According to him, the demolition drive began in Janata Nagar in Mysuru but was halted following public protests. He said the protests eventually resulted in the drive being stopped across the state.

The BJP leaders argued that the longstanding issue requires a comprehensive policy rather than leaving residents who purchased properties years ago in uncertainty.

BJP lists demands before government

Vasanth Kumar urged the government to issue B-khata to eligible sites and houses in such layouts.

The BJP also demanded the provision of essential infrastructure, including roads, underground drainage and drinking water systems.

The party called for regular Revenue Adalats to be conducted in affected layouts so that residents can present their land-related grievances and seek solutions.

Vasanth Kumar also sought strict action against cases in which a single plot has allegedly been sold to multiple buyers.

He demanded an end to the alleged practice of collecting money from residents under the pretext of issuing NOCs.

Calls for clarity in property records

The BJP also demanded that property tax be standardised and fixed for sites and houses that are granted khata.

Vasanth Kumar said officials should not harass residents in the name of legal action and called for greater clarity in property records.

He further demanded that the names of original landowners be removed from RTC (Pahani) and Encumbrance Certificates (EC) once sites have been legally developed and sold, subject to applicable legal procedures.

The BJP leaders maintained that residents who have invested in these properties for several decades should not continue to remain caught between ownership disputes, incomplete civic infrastructure and administrative uncertainty.

They urged the government and concerned departments to take coordinated measures to address the problems of residents in unauthorised revenue layouts.

Former corporator M K Shankar was also present at the press conference.