Developers in Mysuru are voicing frustration over an eleven-month delay in project approvals by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), causing financial strain and stalled housing developments. Key issues include a vacant chairman position, election-related delays, and ongoing MUDA scam controversies. More than 100 layout projects are on hold, impacting both developers and homebuyers. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) is urging the chief minister and urban development minister to expedite approvals. As the backlog grows, there are fears of a potential housing crisis and stunted economic growth in the region.
Developers in Mysuru are expressing growing frustration over the prolonged delay in approving layout projects and other development works by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). It has been almost eleven months since MUDA convened a meeting to address these approvals, which has led to significant financial losses for local builders. Now, developers are appealing directly to the chief minister for intervention.
The previous meeting held in September 2023 was crucial for approving layout projects, releasing sites in developed layouts, and processing khatha transfers. Despite recent meetings for other purposes, MUDA has not cleared pending files that are vital for developers to proceed with their projects. Stakeholders argue that the delay is causing serious difficulties, impacting not only the developers but also homebuyers waiting for new housing options.
The hold-up can be attributed to several factors. Initially, the vacancy in the chairman's position delayed the processes. Even when the deputy commissioner took on the role temporarily, developers' concerns continued to be sidelined. The announcement of upcoming general elections further complicated matters. Most recently, controversies surrounding the MUDA scam, which reportedly involves members of the chief minister's family, have added layers of complexity to project approvals. The MUDA commissioner, A.N. Raghunandan, informed local media that while services have resumed, guidance from the state government is still pending before any major project meetings can be scheduled.
Local developers, represented by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI), are particularly vocal about their challenges. Developers expressed their disappointment, stating that despite having completed all necessary formalities and payment of fees, they are still waiting on the clearance from the commissioner and the town planning member (TPM). Developers are frustrated that their work is stalled due to the need for government approval, particularly as they have already made significant financial commitments to their projects.
Arun Pandit, the honorary secretary of CREDAI, emphasized that the ongoing delays have placed a heavy burden on developers who have invested large sums and entered agreements with buyers. The association is planning a meeting with the chief minister and the urban development minister in Bengaluru soon to press for urgent action on the stalled approvals.
Srihari D, the president of CREDAI, highlighted that more than 100 layout projects have been on hold for nearly a year due to these unresolved issues. The repercussions of the MUDA scam have reached beyond immediate financial concerns, affecting industry confidence and future investments in the region. Many developers fear that continued inaction could lead to a housing crisis in Mysuru as the demand for new housing options grows amidst stagnant approvals.
Developers and stakeholders in Mysuru are calling for a transparent and efficient process to clear the backlog of project approvals, as further delays could not only jeopardize ongoing projects but also hinder the region's economic growth. The hope is that government intervention will help restore normalcy and facilitate the timely development of essential housing projects in Mysuru.