HYDERABAD: People who purchased Rajiv Swagruha plots across the state two years ago have accused the previous BRS government of cheating them.
They had paid Rs 5,325 crore in the auction but the BRS government despite its promises did not provide basic amenities such as roads, underground drainage system, drinking water and electricity. The plots cost Rs 7,000 to Rs 20,000 per square yard in the districts and Rs 40,000 in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts.
Initially, there were no takers for these plots as there were no basic amenities. The BRS government ran an aggressive campaign promising that these layouts would be developed on par with government layout in Uppal Bhagayat with 40 feet roads, parks, underground drainage system, street lights, greenery, electricity, drinking water facilities among others.
The government appointed district collectors as incharges for these auctions and fixed targets for them to ensure the sale of all plots. Under pressure from higher ups, the collectors sprung into action and brought pressure on local businessmen, rice millers, wine shop dealers and others to purchase the plots, as well as on government employees and teachers.
The government auctioned 1,408 plots in an extent of 1,575 acres in 10 districts. These auctions were conducted by HMDA in areas that come under its jurisdiction in Hyderabad, and Rangareddy districts, while TSIIC held auctions in districts.
However, the BRS government failed to fulfil any of the promises made to buyers until it remained in office till December 2023. The BRS lost power in December 2023 Assembly polls and the Congress formed the government in the state.
Two years later, the promised amenities remain nonexistent. The affected plot buyers are now left with barren plots, lacking the basic infrastructure required for habitation.
Frustrated and feeling deceived, these buyers are currently running from pillar to post, visiting district collector offices to attend "Praja Vani" programmes every Monday to lodge their complaints and grievances.
A few buyers visited Praja Bhavan in Begumpet to air their grievances in the Praja Vani programme being held twice a week on Tuesday and Friday. They are urging the present Congress government to intervene and address their concerns.
Nerella Kishore, a teacher, who bought a plot for Rs 40 lakh in Angarika township of the Telangana Rajiv Swagruha Corporation Ltd (TRSCL) at Nusthulapur village in Thimmapur mandal of Karimnagar district in March 2023, said, "We have been running around the collector office from the past one year requesting the collector to develop the layouts as promised during auction but in vain.”
“There are not even approaching roads to our plots. The prices of layouts developed by private realtors surrounding government layouts have increased sharply as they have all facilities but there is no demand for our plots. We will not get even the purchase price if we sell these plots now," Kishore said.
M. Suguna Kumari, a government employee, who purchased a plot in Nalgonda said, "Collectors showed the Uppal Bhagayat layout to us and promised to create the same facilities in Nalgonda. Nothing was done after we purchased plots. I spent Rs 50 lakh. I am trying to sell this plot but there are no takers. Few buyers who approached me are offering just Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. I will suffer huge losses if I sell my plot now."
