A Perspective on Vizag
Lukewarm response for the plots so far
VUDA Office, February 16, 2010
Even after three extensions of the deadline for booking plots in the first phase of Haritha Township being developed by VUDA, the response has been lukewarm. VUDA, along with Jurong Infrastructure (India) Private Limited, initiated the housing project at Madhurawada in November with an aim to provide housing to people of all groups. The project is to be undertaken in two phases over an extent of 40 acres. In the first phase, 710 units will be built in 20 acres in two years.
After the extensions of the last date for applications, VUDA sold around 2,500 applications, less then the expected number. It received less than 30 percent from the 710 units. The VUDA fixed the cost of Lower Income Group unit at Rs.14.10 lakh, a Middle Income Group (MIG) unit in the range of Rs.22.70 lakh to Rs.24.10 lakh and HIG unit between Rs.30.40 and Rs.31 lakh. The VUDA sold applications from November 22 to January 21. It received 312 applications for HIG house against 100 units, 246 applications for MIG houses against 490 units and 139 applications for LIG against 120 units.
The lukewarm response to MIG houses was because of high cost of the units located far from the hear of the city. Another major reason is that the project offers only 120 units of LIG. Secretary of VUDA MS Bhagawan said that the 710 units would be allotted to the applicants on the basis of lottery on February 19. Some HIGH and LIG houses if the sale of applications for MIG is extended once more, he feels.
Apart from the Haritha Township, VUDA is reported to be getting ready with another mega housing project.