A housing project in Shivamogga city aimed at providing homes for low-income families has stalled, leaving many beneficiaries in limbo. Initiated under the Ashraya scheme, the project planned to construct 3,000 houses in Govindapura and 1,600 houses in Gopishetty Koppa. However, only 288 houses have been completed in Govindapura, and construction has yet to start in Gopishetty Koppa.
Applications were invited in 2017, and many families contributed up to ₹80,000 each, often mortgaging valuables. Former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa highlighted the long wait and financial strain on these families. The project, managed by the Shivamogga City Corporation, promised to complete the houses by July 2023, but progress has been slow, with many completed houses still unoccupied due to unresolved issues.
Shankar, president of the Govindapura residents’ welfare association, noted problems with transportation, drinking water supply, underground drainage, and street lights. Additionally, beneficiaries are dissatisfied with the quality of construction. The model block featured three 2,000-litre overhead tanks per 24-house block, but other blocks only received three 1,000-litre tanks. There are also complaints about the quality of doors.
Residents have appealed for improved infrastructure, including proper drinking water supply and dedicated city buses to the locality. Former Minister Eshwarappa has urged Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan to review the project and threatened protests if demands are not met.