VMRDA plans to develop MIG appts
Visakhapatnam: In a bid to develop affordable apartment housing for people belonging in the middle-income segment, the
Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority
(
VMRDA
) is set to conduct an interest survey across the city. This marks the first such initiative by any urban local body in the state in recent decades.Existing govt schemes provide one cent of land in urban areas and financial aid for home construction to the homeless poor or financial assistance for those who already own land.
However, there is currently no provision for middle- or higher-income groups (MIG/HIG). The VMRDA aims to tap into this segment.The state govt, in collaboration with various urban development authorities, is already in the process of developing MIG layouts. Lotteries have been conducted in multiple rounds for the sale of plots in these layouts. In the last two years, the VMRDA has developed several MIG layouts under the NTR Smart Township Layout scheme across Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, and Vizag districts. However, only plots have been sold to the public, with construction being the buyer's responsibility.The proposed middle-income apartment housing by the VMRDA targets those looking to buy a home at prices lower than market rates.Speaking to TOI, VMRDA chairperson MV Pranav Gopal said that this initiative has been mooted to serve the MIG segment. "This will be a win-win situation for both the public and the VMRDA. While the public will receive quality-assured, constructed homes at subsidised prices, the project will also generate revenue for the VMRDA. From Madhurawada and Bheemili to Anakapalli, Vizianagaram and other areas, we have a vast land bank. The survey will assess various components, including an individual's income, occupation, expected price range, preferred location, expected amenities and desired plot size. The results will guide our next steps," said Pranav Gopal.
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