BANGALORE: In what can be called an ultimate act of 'selflessness', the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has 'donated’ Transferable Development Rights (TDR) worth Rs 300 crore to Mantri Developers who have actually encroached upon the government land and claimed it to be theirs.The 'goof up' came into light when Malleswaram Legislator Ashwath Narayan brought this to the notice of the BBMP Council on Tuesday."Over 1.80 lakh square feet of TDR has been given to Mantri Developers for the land that actually belongs to the government," he alleged.Seeking immediate withdrawal of the Joint Development Project (JDP) with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), he questioned why the latter had to get into JDP with Mantri Developers, when they had built stations across the city by acquiring land themselves.The topic immediately transcended all party barriers and corporators started voicing their displeasure in unison. It also saw Deputy Mayor Harish descend from his chair and take his place amongst other corporators to make his point. "They resold our land to us and have taken TDR worth several crores," he fumed and charged that many of the records from the Mantris' file were 'missing.' Gandhinagar MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao also expressed his concern and questioned the Public Private Patnership (PPP) model agreement between BMRCL, Mantri and the BBMP. He said that he had written about the irregularities to the BBMP Estate officials, but to no avail. "We will file a statement of objection within two days to the High Court," BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah said, responding to concerns raised by corporators. He stated that the builder had challenged their road widening decision and approached the court and also claimed compensation.Clarifying that the current 'crop of officials were not responsible for the mess', he said that the project was initiated in 2003. "I have initiated a joint survey of the property on June 16”, he said.Refusing to budge over the position taken up by the BBMP, he said that the Revenue Department did not take adequate action to prevent the encroachment. “If it is proved that the land belongs to the government, then we can stop all construction immediately and the TDR can be withdrawn," he said and termed the case as a "new challenge to the BBMP". He also added that he has formed a three-member committee, who would present a report within two to three days.Meanwhile, Mantri Devlopers claimed, "We are not aware of the meeting. We will await for written communication from BBMP."
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