HIMUDA to sell vacant plots Serves notices on 102 persons in New Shimla

Shimla, June 7
Keen to rake in some money for its ambitious housing projects, the Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) will cancel allotment of plots of those who have failed to undertake construction even five years after the land was purchased at its colonies located in various parts of the state.
HIMUDA has made a beginning in this regard from the state capital where the price of land is very high. Notices have been issued to 102 plot owners in Sector- I, II, III and IV of New Shimla where a 250-sq m plot had fetched a whopping Rs 1.85 crore in an open auction two years back.
HIMUDA has also initiated similar proceedings in other towns like Baddi, Parwanoo, Kullu where plots are lying vacant for more than five years. “We have already issued notices to 102 plot owners in New Shimla and data of vacant plots in other towns is being compiled so that notices could be issued to others as well,” said Ganesh Dutt, vice-chairman of HIMUDA. In case, these plot owners are non-serious about constructing houses they will cancel their allotment and sell it to others, he added.
He explained that as per the terms and conditions laid down by HIMUDA at the time of sale of plots, construction had to be undertaken within five years or else the allotment could be cancelled. “In case, they are unable to give a valid reason, we will cancel the allotment and then hold open auction of such plots,” said Dutt.
He, however, added that the authorities would take into account valid reasons like medical grounds, locational disadvantage for people serving in the armed forces or somebody facing financial constraints. “In case, we do not find the reason convincing, we will issue another notice and cancel the allotment,” he said.
HIMUDA is hoping that by cancelling these plots, it will be able to raise several crores as the prices of land, especially in places like Shimla and Kullu, have skyrocketed over the last one decade. In fact, people are very keen to acquire a plot developed by HIMUDA as they have all facilities.