Inspection Underway at Aryabhata Tech Park to Assess Land Usage
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has begun a formal inspection of the Aryabhata Tech Park (ATP) to evaluate the utilization of land allotted to IT-BT companies. This step follows concerns about the slow development and underutilization of land by some companies.
The ATP, which spans 26 acres, was allocated to 10 companies in two phases, with the aim of promoting the growth of the IT-BT sector in the region. However, the lack of significant development and the slow pace of progress have raised questions about the effectiveness of this initiative.
To address these concerns, a special house panel has been set up by the HDMC. The panel includes key members such as the mayor, opposition leaders, and the former mayor. This committee’s task is to assess whether the companies have adhered to the terms of the agreements signed with the municipal corporation.
Specifically, they will review whether the companies have undertaken the required infrastructure development, made investments as agreed, and created the promised employment opportunities. The panel will also check if the companies have started their operations as originally planned.
The issue of land non-utilization is not new to the region. A notable example is Diksha Technologies, which was allocated three acres of land in 2008-09 for Rs 10 lakh per acre. Despite the land allocation, the company has not utilized the space as stipulated in the agreement. In 2021, the HDMC administrator recommended canceling this allocation due to the lack of progress, but the decision was overturned by the general body earlier this year. In another case, Ion Idea Enterprises, which was given one acre and 20 gunta of land in the previous year for Rs 97.3 lakh, has requested the cancellation of their allocation, citing unsuitable terrain for construction.
The HDMC panel will conduct a comprehensive review to determine if the companies have followed the terms of their agreements. This includes examining the investments made, the infrastructure development carried out, and whether the companies have met the deadlines for initiating operations. If any company is found to be in breach of their agreement or has failed to meet its obligations, the HDMC may consider taking corrective measures, which could include revoking the land allocation.
This inspection aims to ensure that land allocated for industrial growth is used effectively and efficiently. It reflects the HDMC’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. The formation of the house panel signals the municipal corporation’s determination to make sure the Aryabhata Tech Park serves its intended purpose of fostering the IT-BT sector and contributing to the region’s economic development.
The outcome of this inspection will have significant implications for the future of the Aryabhata Tech Park. The findings will guide the HDMC in making decisions about the continued development of the park, including whether any changes need to be made to the land allocations or the terms of the agreements with the companies.