DNA Straight Talk: JDA plans to get power for revenue recovery to improve finances

Dwindling revenue of the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has left its commissioner Vaibhav Galriya worried. He is finding it difficult to raise revenue through land auction in a depressing real estate market. But then, as innovative as Galriya is, he is trying to find a way out to accrue revenues from other streams. He has moved the revenue department to get an authorisation for recovery of JDA’s revenues. Rituraj Tiwari speaks with Vaibhav Galriya in an exclusive chat to find out how JDA is braving the tough times.

You are planning to get the authority for revenue recovery which is under the purview of the Collectorate. How is it going to help?    

We have moved a proposal with the revenue department to authorise Additional Commissioner JDA to act under Section 256 of the Land Revenue Act for recovery of JDA revenues. Once an appropriate notification is issued, we will effectively ensure recovery of JDA’s outstanding dues from individuals and firms. This will help in improving JDA’s financial health.

The Dravyawati project is creating waves now. Are you confident of meeting the deadline?

The Dravyawati project is on track. Expenditure of more than Rs 850 crore has been incurred on the ground. Works on the riverfront, STPs and gardens are in full swing. As per contract, work is to be completed by October 2018. But we are targeting to complete the works by August 15 as per the directions of our Chief Minister. The STPs will be ready for test run in June 2018. Three gardens will also be developed. The river development work is also moving at a fast pace. But then, there are few challenges also. We have overcome many of them including getting permission for works in the military area and removing encroachment in Hasanpura kachchi basti, among others. However, some parts are still stuck in court stays which we are trying to get vacated.

Record development works have taken place during your tenure. But now, we hear that the JDA is facing a cash crunch. How would you carry on with these works?

Due to the stressed position of the real estate market, auction of land has not brought us the expected revenue. However, we have taken several steps to improve revenues. We are putting land parcels to auction along with the best possible height and BAR parameters. Base sale price of the land has also been adjusted to match the prevailing market rates. We are confident of better times ahead.

Is the JDA going to launch any scheme now and what about regularisation of colonies?

We are planning to launch residential schemes for the people at good locations.

Since November, regularisation of colonies by housing cooperative societies and Prithviraj Nagar had to also be stopped due to a high court order. Now, we are hoping to complete all zonal plans by this month. This will bring relief to citizens and revenue to JDA.