From layouts to lakes: What MDA’s first budget means for you

Mysuru: Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) presented its first budget Monday, ten months after its formation. The authority announced plans to develop a new layout on 90 acres that had been neglected for decades, despite the land being acquired.MDA special land acquisition officer and in-charge commissioner KR Rakshith said parcels of land in Vijayashripura and other villages remained idle, prompting MDA to form layouts. It has reserved Rs 20 crore for the work.
MDA has earmarked Rs 15 crore for the renovation of its office building on JLB Road, which officers said is old and needs immediate attention. It has also set aside Rs 10.5 crore for land acquisition for road-widening for public convenience, and Rs 64 crore for rejuvenating lakes, including Yelwala, Sahukarhundi and Bommenahalli lakes and Kalyani at Koorgahalli.For 2025-26, MDA has proposed commercial and sports complexes costing Rs 31.9 crore. It has reserved Rs 3.5 crore for the second phase of the Kabini drinking-water project upgrade.Rakshith said MDA expects revenue of Rs 871.5 crore during the financial year and plans to spend Rs 548.4 crore on various development works. Another Rs 7.4 crore is reserved for the preparation of DPAR for a 105km peripheral road.MDA expects major revenue from taxes, cess and surcharges, including a 5% Ring Road surcharge.15k sites under 50:50 schemeUnder the 50:50 site-sharing scheme conceived a decade ago, MDA announced it will develop 15,000 sites on 2,000 acres in Bommenahalli, Kamaralli and other villages. According to MDA, farmers agreed to part with their land for layout development, for which they will receive 50% of the developed sites. Rakshith said MDA has reserved Rs 460 crore for the residential layout development scheme.DC Lakshmikanth Reddy, who chaired the meeting, told reporters that, as farmers were unwilling to sell their land to MDA, they decided to develop a layout under the 50:50 scheme. They needed at least 1,000 acres to start the project, and so far, MDA has convinced farmers to share 500 acres.To a query, the DC said the one-member commission submitted its report to govt, and action would be taken based on the govt's direction.Only official board members attended, as the govt is yet to nominate members, including an MLA.15cr office renovation raises eyebrowsThe Rs 15 crore allocation for office renovation drew criticism. Observers argue that such a large outlay for refurbishment reflects misplaced priorities, given that thousands of site aspirants seek affordable plots and faster allotment. They contend that funds should go towards land development, basic infrastructure in layouts and transparent distribution mechanisms, rather than administrative comforts.