Bengaluru, July 16 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday alleged that nearly 175 acres of HMT land in Bengaluru were diverted during 1999–2004 with the involvement of the then Urban Development Minister in the Congress government, a post held by current Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the time.

Inspecting several parcels of HMT land, Kumaraswamy said he had directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report on alleged irregularities. “Once I receive the report, appropriate action will follow, and a thorough investigation will be initiated,” he told reporters.

He visited residential complexes allegedly built on HMT land, including Aquila Heights, Govianu Eritis, Prestige Kensington Gardens, and KKR AMR Rubee Apartments. Alleging collusion between former HMT officials and influential individuals, he questioned whether the Karnataka government was willing to reclaim the encroached land.

“The same individual who is aggressively pursuing the proposed Bidadi Township today played a pivotal role in allowing valuable HMT land to pass into private hands while serving as Urban Development Minister between 1999 and 2004,” Kumaraswamy alleged, without directly naming Shivakumar.

Displaying maps and documents, he claimed to possess details of the beneficiaries of the transactions. “The people of Karnataka deserve to know who facilitated these deals and who benefited,” he said.

Kumaraswamy also challenged former Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to reclaim land occupied by high‑rise buildings. He clarified that he had no objection to HMT land being allotted to national institutions such as ISRO.

Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister in 2006, he said he had halted further alienation of HMT land.

“I issued clear instructions that no additional HMT land should be sold or registered. It is because of that decision that a substantial portion remains protected today,” he said.

He highlighted the plight of apartment owners on disputed properties, noting many face difficulties in obtaining khatas and e‑khatas. “If everything was done legally, why has the State government not regularised these properties?” he asked.

Kumaraswamy alleged vested interests were creating hurdles as the Union Government prepared a revival package for HMT. He said a Detailed Project Report had already been prepared.

The dispute over HMT land is pending before the Supreme Court. Kumaraswamy maintained that stakeholders should support efforts to revive the public sector undertaking rather than allow valuable industrial land to be lost to private interests.

–IANS

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