Equitable distribution of housing title deeds in Bangalore city is no doubt a huge social challenge. Out of 48 locations in BBMP limits, 39 habitations were identified and distribution of deeds is on anvil. In this Title deeds have been distributed to more than 800 people and distribution of 6000 title deeds is in progress. The process of reserving land to distribute title deeds is in progress in remaining 9 places. For the homeless poor in urban area, 232 houses have been built in Sadaramangala and Varturu have been built. 256 houses are near completion in Channasandra. There is plan to build 2000 houses in near future.
In rural areas, title deeds have been given to 700 households who have built houses in Government land; in another 32 villages land is being earmarked to give title deeds to around 1800 beneficiaries. Construction of 1240 houses under Basava Vasati Scheme with a financial aid of 75,000 rupees each is in progress. Under the same scheme, houses will be built for those with sites. Government land has been reserved to distribute sites to those who do not have one.
Distributing title deeds is not the end of the problem: they need to be given basic facilities also. That is why Arvind Limbavali has provided facilities like electricity, drinking water, community centre etc., to many areas.
Reserving Government land for public utility
In Mahadevapura in last four years, around 270 acres of encroached Government land (total cost even if calculated 5 crore per acre, turns out to be 1350 Crores) is evacuated and cleared and the land is now reserved for public activities. This land is exclusively meant for the infrastructure facilities needed for the overall development of the constituency like international stadium in Gunjuru Palya, Vemana Jnana Mandira, Government First Grade College, Polytechnic, Library, Market, Parks, Schools etc.
- Initiatives have been taken to distribute title deeds to the people dwelling in Government lands in Kadugodi, A K colony, Ambedkar Nagar (Gutta), Dinnuru, Nallurahalli, Vijayanagara, Whitefield’s Gandhipura, Sadaramangala, Chikka Bairati, Bairati Bande and Kundalahalli colony habitats.
- In BBMP area 432 civilians have been provided 3 lakh rupees each financial support to build homes under 22.75 schemes.
- Building houses for the homeless is in progress in 8 acres land in Gunjuru and in 6 acres land in Marath Halli.
- Totally 716 title deeds are being distributed by Rajiv Gandhi Housing Board. Details: Kannamangala-Dinnur village 62, Goravigere 72, Chikkanayakanahalli Dinne village 288, Doddakannalli village 212, and Vijayanagara/Gandhipura village 82 households.
- Construction of 500 houses in 5 acres land in Kodati village is underway under by BSY-Bhagya-Sampada-Yashassu- scheme.
- 9 acres 21 Guntas in Hadosiddapura, 10 acres in Sulikunte, 9 acres 20 Guntas in Kannur village, 5 acres in Kodati, 2 acres 16 Guntas in Mandur village, 5 acres in Byappanahalli, 34 Guntas in NG Gollahalli has been preserved to distribute house/ site or build housing complexes to the poor under Ashraya scheme. BDA is constructing housing complex at Gunjuru.
More than 270 acres of Government land for public utility
Like in the other areas in Bangalore, even Mahadevapura had no common Government land for community events and public utility. Arvind Limbavali identified such encroached Government lands and cleared the encroachments in a peaceful way. To ensure security of such places, he arranged fencing of them and reserved them for public utility. Around 270 acres of encroached land is now available for public activities which is a big achievement indeed. This has added a new dimension to Mahadevapura. Total cost of such evacuated Government land, even if calculated 5 crore per acre, turns out to be 1350 Crores. There are schools, lakes and even graveyards in these lands! Now they are in Government custody.