Mega housing project in Mysore

A Rs 235 crore mega housing and commercial complex has been planned in the erstwhile Ideal Jawa factory land in Mysore. But a couple of NGOs are opposed to it complaining that it will add to the woes of the heritage city.

The group housing project with 1,450 apartments on the 28.2-acre land has been proposed by the Mumbai-based Shalom Voyagers. It has been proposed on the land which housed Mysore's erstwhile Ideal Jawa motorcycle manufacturing unit, a few years ago.

To assess the environment impact of the project, the first of its kind in Mysore, which is seeing a property boom, a public hearing was held on July 24.

A large number of those assembled at the hearing supported the project, while the people who held a press conference on July 27, voiced their opposition.

The project proposes residential accommodation on 78,000 sq. mts. and commercial complex on 36,000 sq. mts., out of 1.14 sq. mts. of the project. About 3.5 acres of land is set apart for roads and green cover, with separate line for drinking water, underground drainage system, solid waste and water treatment plants, rainwater harvesting and solar energy system.

The promoters have bought the industry land in open auction for Rs. 28 crore, after the Ideal Jawa factory, which had pioneered industrial growth of Mysore under the stewardship of F.K.Irani, was wound up.

The Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore (ACICM) repeated its opposition to the housing and commercial project and its members led by Convener M. Lakshamana said if the project was cleared they would file a public interest litigation.

ACICM is also voicing its opposition for the proposed Makkaji Chowk commercial complex a few other projects on similar grounds.

Lakshmana said though the promoters had bought the land for Rs. 28 crore, the government had received only Rs. 13.5 crore, which amounted to Rs. 37 lakh an acre, but the site value was as high as Rs. 60 lakh in the Yadavagiri extension. After purchase the industrial land had been converted for housing purposes causing a loss of revenue to the government, he alleged.

The project would put pressure on the scarce drinking water, power supply and sewage facility, adding to traffic congestion and pollution. Hence, the Deputy Commissioner should reconsider the proposal, he said.

Vombatkere of Mysore Grahaka Parishat said the public hearing was a sham because the 'district administration had mishandled it.' Advocate Arun Kumar alleged that the promoters had taken advantage of 'loopholes in the law.'