Pay up 5K or forfeit plots, GHB tells allottees

Pay up 5K or forfeit plots, GHB tells allottees
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, JAN 8
About 50 people who had booked a plot in the proposed Shristhal Housing Board at Mokhard in 1989 are in for a rude shock.
According to sources, they have received a letter dated December 20, 2010, from Goa Housing Board (GHB), asking them to pay a demand draft for Rs 5,000 drawn in favour of Goa Housing Board Margao within 25 days or else, they would forfeit their right to the plot.
Many residents in the taluka had deposited Rs 1,500 in 1989 as booking amount of a housing plot in the proposed Shristhal Housing Board.
Interestingly, the rates quoted by GHB for the plots are cited at Rs 1,700 per sq mtr and the size of plots ranges between 211 sq mtrs and 369 sq mtrs.
The letter further warns that non-payment of a DD for Rs 5,000 within the stipulated time will forfeit the right to own the housing plot.
The letter signed by GHB Managing Director Melvyn Vaz states that the balance cost amount of the plots will be recovered after due deduction of the deposits of Rs 1,500 (applicant had made while booking the plots in 1989) and accrued interest of this deposit.
The area of the housing plot ranges between 211 sq mtrs and 369 sq mtrs.
Sources told Herald that other conditions have also been imposed by the GBA. Those with a maximum monthly income of Rs 12,600 and annual income of Rs 2 lakh are only eligible for the plots.
Sources further informed that the exorbitant rates and other restrictions have left several applicants in the lurch.
Said an applicant, who want to remain anonymous: “There were no conditions other than being a resident and the rates that were deemed reasonable in 1989 were never above the two-figure mark.”
“Even private plots in the area were recently sold at Rs 500 per sq mtr a year ago. A housing plot which is being sold for Rs 1,700 per sq mtr is beyond our imagination,” observed another applicant.