BHUBANESWAR: Progress in handing over the plots in the Vasudev Vihar scheme has been slow, with the Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) yet to finish their development.
In April 2022, OSHB, a state agency under the housing and urban development department, advertised the property comprising 166 plots of various sizes in Jagannathpur mouza, with bookings concluding in May 2022.
The allotment procedure, initiated through a lottery system, was expected to conclude by December 2023, although the handover has yet to occur.
Many buyers, primarily retired government employees, are eagerly waiting to take possession of the plots where they invested significant amounts.
“This is merely negligence on the board’s part. We should have received our developed plots two years ago,” complained Guru Charan Panda, one of the buyers. “We have repeatedly contacted the board but have seen no results.”
OSHB representatives have stated that all necessary registrations and transactions with buyers have been finalized, and ongoing work includes roads and basic infrastructure before the plots can be handed over.
“Delays are attributed to the contractor responsible for site development tasks, including drainage and roads. We’ve issued a formal warning regarding these delays,” mentioned a senior OSHB official to TOI.
Meanwhile, buyers argue that the board is offering excuses to prolong the handover. “Some of us have taken loans for these plots and are paying interest unnecessarily,” added Panda.
Buyers have demanded immediate delivery of the plots. Upon receiving them, they plan to form an association for future maintenance.
