Dehradun: Irregularities in land allotment in the Sidcul areas of Haridwar and Pantnagar were the topics of discussion on the fifth day of the Vidhan Sabha session here in the state capital. MLA Madan Kaushik of the opposition alleged during the question hour that the government didn’t abide by the rules while allotting plots in the Sidcul areas of Haridwar and Pantnagar. The MLA further added that the land allocation has been a scam of around Rs 200 crore in which the government allotted lands to its favored party’s at a rate lower than the circle rate at that time. State Finance Minister Dr. Indira Hridayesh dismissed the claims saying one should form an opinion after an enquiry has been conducted. Kaushik had asked the government information regarding land allocated to the housing projects in Sidcul during the question hour.
In reply the Finance Minister said that a total of 9 plots (2 in Haridwar, 3 in Pantnagar and 4 in Dehradun IT Park) have been allotted by the Government. Dr Hridayesh also added that all the norms laid down by the government have been followed by the builders on the above mentioned housing projects. The MLA from the opposition retailiated by saying that out of the 3 companies that had filed for the tender, one company was fake and the other two quoted their price which was lower than the circle rate. Kaushik asked the government is it possible to lower the rates than the circle rates during the tendering process? He also added that he had proof of the governments lowered the rates during the tendering process. The government responded by saying that the rates cannot be lowered than the circle rates and if the MLA can back up his statements with proof then a probe will be ordered into the matter. Dr Hridayesh also added that the Uttarakhand Government reserves the right to cancel the plots allotted to the builders.
