Odisha DQ scam: Illegal allotments in Cuttack under scrutiny

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Aug 16:

While an official inquiry is on in Odisha into the gross irregularities in the allotment of BDA plots and houses in Bhubaneswar under the discretionary quota (DQ), there are reports of similar violations by the CDA in Cuttack.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that at least seven persons have been provided with more than one plot in the Markat Nagar area in Cuttack.

The CDA authorities are presently examining the allotment of government plots since 1985.

Out of a total of 11,039 plots allotted since 1985 till date, 946 plots have been allotted in the Markat Nagar area under the Urban Development minister’s discretionary quota. Of these 926 are residential plots and 26, commercial plots.

Of the total allotment of 2209 plots made in the Sector -7 area of Markat Nagar, 152 plots in Sector-7 and 128 plots in Sector-13 in the area have been made under the minister’s discretionary quota.

However, the CDA authorities have found irregularities in Sector-13 area where seven persons have availed more than one plot.

The CDA authorities in the meanwhile, have served show cause notices to these seven persons, sources said.

It may be mentioned that the Odisha government had constituted Greater Cuttack Improvement Trust (GCIT) keeping the expansion of Cuttack city and its periphery in view.

Later, to ensure planned development of Cuttack Development Area, GCIT was converted to Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) with effect from September 1, 1983 bringing the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) area, Choudwar Municipality area and the adjoining 37 mouzas under its jurisdiction.