The Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) has initiated a significant step towards creating a massive new residential zone on the city's outskirts. The authority has formally called upon landowners from four specific villages to submit their consent letters for a proposed mega-layout that is set to sprawl across a vast 2,113 acres of land.
Project Details and the 50:50 Land Scheme
This ambitious project is planned in the villages of Nagawala, Bommenahalli, Kammarahalli, and Doddamaragowdanahalli within Yelwal hobli. Operating under the 50:50 scheme, the model promises landowners 50% of the developed land in return for surrendering their property for the layout. The MDA's vision involves pooling land from a staggering 1,524 landowners to create more than 20,000 residential sites, aiming to alleviate the growing housing demand in the historic city of Mysuru.
Interestingly, the MDA notification has extended the opportunity beyond just those whose land falls directly within the project boundary. Other landowners from the same four villages are also eligible to submit their consent letters, potentially widening the pool of available land for the development.
Ground Reality: Lack of Awareness and Logistical Challenges
Despite the scale of the proposal, a significant disconnect appears to exist on the ground. A former gram panchayat member has alleged that the villagers have been left in the dark. He claimed that the residents are largely unaware of both the project's existence and the specifics of the 50:50 scheme, asserting that the MDA did not take them into confidence during the initial stages.
Adding to the complexity is the sheer logistical challenge of securing consent. Real estate expert Girish Baga pointed out that with over 1,500 landowners involved, the process would require signatures from at least 5,000 individuals, considering family ownerships. He termed this a "herculean task" in itself, casting doubt on the smooth execution of the land acquisition phase.
Expert Skepticism Over Feasibility and Urban Planning
Beyond the consent hurdle, seasoned professionals from the real estate sector have raised fundamental questions about the project's viability and alignment with modern urban planning principles. Sathish Kumar M, Chairman of the National Real Estate Development Council's Karnataka chapter, voiced a strong critique. He argued that Mysuru should prioritize vertical development over horizontal expansion.
He elaborated that while 30,000 houses could be built on 2,000 acres, it requires massive investment in infrastructure. Vertical projects, he contended, would reduce costs and allow for better provision of amenities to residents. Furthermore, he urged the MDA to focus on trunk infrastructure projects for existing areas instead of continuously developing new layouts, suggesting a potential misallocation of resources and a strain on the city's infrastructure footprint.
The project now stands at a critical juncture, caught between the authority's vision for growth and the practical challenges of implementation, community engagement, and sustainable urban development.
