The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) will inspect Aryabhata Tech Park (ATP) to verify how the properties allotted to IT-BT companies are being utilized. The ATP, covering 26 acres, had allotted land to 10 companies in two phases for the development of IT-BT industries. To investigate this, HDMC has decided to form a house panel to review the situation.

This move follows allegations of improper land utilization by the companies at ATP, located near Navanagar. HDMC Mayor Ramanna Badiger took the initiative to establish the house panel to investigate the claims before considering withdrawing land from the firms.

The ATP allocated land to 10 companies for IT-BT industry development across two phases. A recent request for land cancellation was made by a company allocated land in 2023, citing unsuitable terrain. Furthermore, HDMC plans to evaluate the possibility of withdrawing land from a company allocated in 2008-09 due to non-utilization. The verification of land usage by all companies is still pending, and no final cancellation decisions will be made until the review is completed.

During a recent general body meeting, former mayor Iresh Anchatgeri raised concerns about the inadequate land utilisation and incomplete operations of several ATP companies. He called for a thorough verification process.

Officials reported that Diksha Technologies, which was allocated three acres of land at Rs 10 lakh per acre in 2008-09, had failed to use the land as per the stipulated conditions. Despite the HDMC administrator's decision to cancel the allocation in 2021, the general body disagreed and decided otherwise in February. Additionally, Ion Idea Enterprises Solutions, which was allocated one acre and 20 gunta of land for Rs 97.3 lakh last year, requested the cancellation of the allocation and a refund due to the unsuitable terrain for construction.

Mayor Ramanna Badiger stated that a house committee had been formed, consisting of three senior members of HDMC: opposition leader Raju Kamati, floor leader Veeranna Savadi, and former mayor Iresh Anchatgeri.

The committee will review whether the companies are using the land according to the terms and conditions of their agreements, and it will check if the promised investments and employment opportunities have been delivered. Additionally, the committee will assess the infrastructure development and determine whether the companies started operations within the agreed timeline. If any violations or non-compliance issues are identified, appropriate action will be taken in line with the guidelines.

The HDMC has stressed that this verification process is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in land utilisation. Former mayor Iresh Anchatgeri emphasised that the findings from the inspection will help in planning future developments and improvements at ATP.