PDA to revise rates of unsold flats, ease rules

Prayagraj: The Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has decided to revise the prices of its unsold residential units to generate renewed interest among prospective homebuyers.The move was approved during the PDA's board meeting on Wednesday. Chairing the meeting, divisional commissioner Saumya Agarwal directed officials to reassess the pricing of vacant houses in line with govt-issued model costing guidelines and current market conditions. Earlier, the PDA had frozen the rates of these properties, but the move failed to attract buyers. The board also approved proposals to amend anomalies in the city's Master Plan 2031. At present, restrictions in posh areas such as Civil Lines, Georgetown and Tagore Town limit construction of buildings taller than 7.5 metres on plots smaller than 200 square metres. Once the amendments get govt nod, these restrictions will be eased, allowing construction on smaller plots and enabling high-rise buildings in these premium localities. In another major step, the board agreed to conduct a comprehensive survey of urban ceiling and improvement trust lands. The task has been assigned to PCS Management Consultancy Private Limited, which will use drone technology to map these land parcels and prepare a digital database. This is expected to improve land management and enhance PDA's revenue. Officials have also been instructed to digitise records of govt, nazul and other public lands for better identification and monitoring. To ensure better quality in development works, the PDA board has approved the formation of a project management unit (PMU). This independent agency, comprising experts, will monitor the quality of all development projects undertaken by the authority. The PMU will be selected through a tender process. The board also gave approval to hire outsourced staff against vacant positions. Currently, 148 such employees are working with PDA, and more may be recruited as regular appointments remain pending from govt. Changes in the development plan of the Sangam area, including the corridor near the Bade Hanuman Temple, were also approved to improve facilities for devotees. Financially, the board cleared a budget of over Rs 2,519 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal, with Rs 907.71 crore earmarked for revenue expenditure. Additionally, proposals for new townships under the chief minister's Urban Expansion Scheme in areas like Jhunsi, Naini and near the airport were presented. In a significant decision, the board also ruled that funds received from Prayagraj Smart City Limited for development works near the high court will not be returned, as the amount has already been utilised for various projects.