Belagavi
Urban Development and Town Planning Minister Byrathi Suresh informed the Legislative Council that all housing layouts across Karnataka are being developed only after ensuring that adequate buffer zones are maintained to prevent river sources from getting polluted. These buffer norms are mandated by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), he said.
Responding to a question by Council member K. Shivakumar during the Question Hour, the minister stated that housing layouts spread across more than 10 acres must compulsorily include a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) as per KSPCB regulations. Accordingly, STP sites are being earmarked in all such projects, and layout development is being carried out strictly following pollution control guidelines.
Suresh added that residential sites formed by various Urban Development Authorities (UDAs) are allotted to the public as per the provisions of the Karnataka Urban Development Authorities (Allotment of Sites) Rules, 1991. These rules ensure transparent and regulated distribution of sites.
He further explained that the UDAs are acquiring land required for development projects through a combination of land acquisition procedures and farmer participation. As per the Karnataka Urban Development Authorities (Allotment of Sites in Lieu of Compensation for Land Acquired) Rules, 2009, layouts are being developed under a widely adopted 50:50 ratio. Under this model, landowners receive a portion of developed sites in place of monetary compensation.
The minister emphasised that this approach not only safeguards water resources but also ensures sustainable and planned development of urban neighbourhoods across the state while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.