Illegal layouts thrive in KUDA limits

Warangal: With the administration turning a blind eye, proliferation of illegal layouts seems to be unabated in the limits of Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA). It also indicates a yawning gap between the land use planning and the projection of peripheral growth of the city. It's said that hundreds of illegal layouts sprouted on major routes leading to Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Narsampet and Mulugu.

It may be noted here that got wind of unapproved layouts in all urban local bodies across Telangana, the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) authority had also directed the respective ULBs to identify them during the Pattana Pragathi programme. The officials were also told to send a comprehensive report of illegal layouts besides bringing awareness among the people about the possible problems they face if they purchase plots in the unapproved layouts.

According to a conservative estimate, there are more than 100 illegal layouts admeasuring more than 200 acres spread across Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) and nine municipalities – Mahabubabad, Jangaon, Maripeda, Bhupalpally, Dornakal, Narsampet, Wardhannapet, Thorrur and Parkal.

When it comes to the KUDA limits, there are more than 200 unapproved layouts. It may be noted here that jurisdiction of KUDA encompasses 1,805 sq. kms. According to sources, the authorities had already prepared a preliminary list. It's learnt that the majority of illegal layouts are in Fort Warangal, Kazipet, Hanamkonda, Inavole, Sangem, Hasanparthy, Dharmasagar and other manuals adjacent to the core city.

The reason behind the mushrooming of illegal layouts and people's patronage to them is the price tag. The plots in unapproved layouts cost people less compared to the approved ones. The layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) is the other reason. People believe that government sooner or later announce LRS so that they can legalise their plots.

Forum for Better Warangal President Pulluru Sudhakar said: "Even though the authorities have a fair idea of the illegal layouts, they are turning a blind eye to take action against the realtors for obvious reasons such as the involvement of people's representatives. Besides sensitising the people about the hiccups they are bound to face in the future if they acquire plots in unapproved layouts, the officials need to issue a notification immediately about the illegal layouts they have identified." People are the ultimate losers in this game, Sudhakar said, referring to the authorities' apathetic approach towards protecting the interests of the public.

Speaking to The Hans India, KUDA Planning Officer E Ajit Reddy said: "We have identified around 70 unapproved layouts in our ambit. The process of issuing notices to the realtors is on. Legal action would follow if they fail to honour it. We will soon issue a paper notification with the details of unapproved layouts, besides bringing awareness among the masses." He said that the majority of layouts are small - from one to three acres.