Karnataka Government May Reclaim Plots Left Vacant for Five Years

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that residential sites allotted by agencies such as the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the erstwhile City Improvement Trust Board (CITB), civic bodies and cooperative housing societies could be taken back if beneficiaries fail to construct houses within five years.

Under the proposed approach, the government would refund the amount paid by the allottee along with applicable interest when a site is resumed. Shivakumar said the measure is aimed at ensuring that government-allotted residential plots are actually used for housing rather than remaining vacant for years.

The government has emphasised that beneficiaries receiving housing sites have a responsibility to construct homes within the stipulated period and maintain their properties properly. The policy is also aimed at promoting better utilisation of residential land and improving cleanliness and civic conditions in developing areas.

The decision underlines the government's focus on ensuring that housing-site allotments translate into actual residential development rather than leaving valuable land unused.

The Chief Minister also highlighted concerns over vacant plots becoming garbage dumping grounds and stressed that property owners have a responsibility to keep their allotted sites clean and protected.

The announcement was made during the launch of the “Freedom from Waste” campaign in Bengaluru and is part of the government's broader focus on improving civic cleanliness and ensuring better utilisation of residential land.