HDMC to Conduct Inspection at Aryabhata Tech Park to Verify Land Use
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has initiated plans to inspect the Aryabhata Tech Park (ATP), located near Navanagar, in response to concerns regarding the underutilization of land allocated to IT-BT companies. The 26-acre park, which houses 10 companies in two phases of land allotment, has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced about improper land use, potentially leading to land withdrawals from some of the companies involved.
The inspection comes after former mayor Iresh Anchatgeri and several members of the civic body raised alarms about the slow progress of some companies, citing inadequate land utilization and incomplete operations. At the heart of these concerns are companies like Diksha Technologies, which received three acres of land at Rs 10 lakh per acre in 2008-09. Despite the initial investment, Diksha Technologies failed to meet the terms set by the HDMC and has not utilized the land as intended. In 2021, HDMC administrators considered canceling the allocation, but the general body reached a different decision in February, and the issue remains unresolved. Another company, Ion Idea Enterprises Solutions Pvt Ltd, which was allotted 1.2 acres in 2023, requested a cancellation of its land allocation, citing unsuitable terrain for construction. This has raised further questions about the viability of the land parcels in the tech park and the ability of companies to develop the space as promised. In response, HDMC Mayor Ramanna Badiger announced the formation of a house committee, comprising opposition leader Raju Kamati, floor leader Veeranna Savadi, and former mayor Iresh Anchatgeri, to assess the situation. The committee’s task will be to verify whether the companies are complying with the terms of their land allotment agreements, such as meeting investment and employment targets, and whether they have developed infrastructure as required. The panel will also check if the companies have started operations within the stipulated time frame.
“The committee will thoroughly assess the land use and determine whether the companies have adhered to the agreements. If any violations or non-compliance are found, appropriate action will be taken,” said Badiger. The inspection will ensure that the public resources are being used efficiently and transparently, in line with the city’s long-term development goals.
The findings from the HDMC inspection will play a crucial role in determining the future of the tech park. If any land withdrawals or cancellations are made, the process will likely pave the way for re-allocation to companies ready to use the land effectively. The inspection is expected to improve the overall transparency and accountability at ATP, ensuring that the park can realize its full potential as a hub for technology and business development. For the city of Hubballi and the surrounding region, the inspection is an important step in ensuring that investment and land use are aligned with economic growth targets. As the tech park continues to evolve, these measures will help ensure that it remains a viable and successful location for businesses, contributing to the city’s industrial growth and providing employment opportunities to local communities.
