HMT land disputes: HDK points fingers at DKS over ‘land diversion’ years ago
Alleging that obstacles were being created just when HMT is set for revival, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday alleged
Alleging that obstacles were being created just when HMT is set for revival, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday alleged that large scale diversion of land belonging to HMT in Bengaluru was directed between 1999 and 2004, with direct involvement of the then Urban Development Minister in the Congress government. Without naming Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, he said, “Those pursuing the Bidadi Township today were responsible for the HMT land diversion then. The very individual now championing the proposed township had played a key role in facilitating the diversion of the valuable HMT land to pass into private entities while serving as the Urban Development Minister between 1999 and 2004.” Inspection done Kumaraswamy, who inspected several parcels of the disputed land and held meetings with HMT officials here on Thursday, told presspersons that he had asked the officials to prepare a comprehensive report on the 175 acres that were alienated during the period.
A significant portion of this land had subsequently been taken over by private interests and developed into large residential and commercial complexes, he added. The Union Minister, who alleged collusion of certain officials in HMT with influential persons, asked the State government if it was prepared to reclaim the encroached land. “If former Forest Minister and current Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre is so determined, let him first demonstrate the courage to reclaim the land on which illegally constructed high rise buildings now stand.” He said that the HMT had lawfully acquired land between 1958 and 1960, and rejected claims that the land belonged to the Forest Department.
Claiming that the rampant alienation of HMT land continued till he assumed office as Chief Minister in 2006, he said that he issued instructions that no further land should be sold or registered. Kumaraswamy said that multiple meetings had taken place on the HMT’s revival, and a detailed project report has been prepared already. “While I am working to bring HMT back to life, some are waiting to grab its land. Even before the revival package is finalised, obstacles are being created at every step.” Khandre’s rebuttal Meanwhile, Mr. Ishwar Khandre told presspersons in Bengaluru that the State government had imposed a condition when it allotted land to HMT that it can reclaim it back if the land was not used for the purpose it was allotted.
The BriefWire