Yahya Hallare

Daijiworld Media Network – Bhatkal (EP)

Bhatkal, Aug 27: The deserted Navagrama project shows how a people-friendly project becomes a waste due to non-cooperation by people and irresponsibility of political leaders.

S M Krishna the then chief minister had started an ambitious project of providing land and houses for the landless. The dream of constructing houses in 30x40 feet barren revenue land after allotting sites reached Bhatkal also. Beneficiaries in Kaikini and Bengre were selected in 2001 and 2002. People stood in long lines in front of Taluk office with applications. Some took help from influential people and those who were rich also applied for sites in the names of their relatives.

However they only got Patta of the land and became owners but showed no interest to stay there. The Nava grama land just 250 meters away from national highways has turned into open toilets.

People are scared to come in the deserted place. Thieves have taken away the stones from the houses. There are also allegations of selling the sites.

The price of land increases every year. Those who have occupied revenue land for their stay are spending their days in fear of being vacated. Meanwhile the help by the government gets misused like this.