Karnataka Housing Board Colony Residents Win Court Battle for Amenities
Residents of the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) Amargol Phase 2 Colony in Hubballi have achieved a significant legal victory in their long-standing struggle for basic amenities. They submitted a formal petition to the Taluk Legal Services Authority, demanding essential infrastructure improvements in their colony.
Legal Action Spurs Government Response
KHB officials have submitted a detailed report to the urban development department, urging immediate action. This report was accompanied by a recent Times of India article that highlighted the severe infrastructure challenges plaguing housing board colonies. The article, published on January 2, 2024, specifically pointed out delays in handing over the Amargol Phase 2 Colony to the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC).
Financial Dispute Over Handover Charges
Earlier, KHB had formally approached HDMC to take over the colony's management. A joint survey was conducted to assess the existing facilities, after which HDMC demanded a payment of Rs 11 crore from KHB for the handover process. KHB officials claimed they were unable to pay this substantial amount and subsequently escalated the matter to higher authorities, questioning the handover charges.
The situation reached a critical point when residents decided to take legal action. The court intervened and issued a directive, ordering KHB to pay Rs 8 crore to HDMC specifically for the development of the colony. The court mandated that this payment be made within one month, providing a clear timeline for resolution.
Residents Express Relief and Hope
Mrutunjay Matti, a resident of KHB Amargol, expressed his gratitude and relief following the court's decision. "We submitted our petition along with the TOI report to the court, and finally, we have received justice. We are thankful to the court and TOI for their support. Once the colony is officially handed over to the corporation, we expect immediate commencement of development works, including roads, drainage systems, drinking water supply, streetlights, and other essential amenities," he stated.
Official Confirmation and Next Steps
A KHB executive engineer confirmed the court's order, noting that the board has been directed to transfer Rs 8 crore to HDMC within the stipulated one-month period. "We received the official order last week. The handover process will begin shortly, as per the court's instructions," the engineer added, indicating that procedural steps are now underway to comply with the legal mandate.
This development marks a pivotal moment for the residents, who have endured inadequate infrastructure for an extended period. The court's intervention not only addresses the immediate financial impasse but also sets a precedent for accountability in housing board projects across the region.
