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Gurgaon: Cineplex plan shelved, shops to come up on land that belonged to ex-minister
Former Haryana minister Gopal Kanda, who had bought the land, later surrendered it
The Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) has decided to develop shop-cum-office (SCOs) complex at Sector 23-A, on the land where a cineplex was planned by Gopal Kanda, former Haryana home minister.
The land, measuring nearly 4500 square yards, is located within the Huda market complex along the road leading from Old Delhi-Gurgaon Road towards Palam Vihar via Tau Devi Lal Park.
“This is a big piece of land and at a prime location in Gurgaon. As per original auction plan of the allottee, a multiplex was to be developed here. The Huda had in 2007 conducted an open auction, which was attended by more than 50 interested buyers. The bid started from Rs 23 crore and closed at Rs 72 crore. Kanda was the highest bidder. He paid the 25% amount — Rs18 crore — and built a two-floor basement and a roof above. Later in 2009, he decided to surrender the land,” said a Huda official, seeking anonymity.
Kanda was Haryana home minister from 2009 to 2011.
As per the Huda policy, 10% of the total cost was deducted as surrender amount and the remaining amount was returned to Kanda.
Sanjiv Singla, estate officer (EO-I) Huda, said, “Huda has decided to develop a SCO complex now. Huda will demolish the existing structures now. The demand of SCOs is on the rise in Gurgaon.”
A meeting regarding SCOs was held a week ago.
“Structures such as basement, pillars and roof on a 4,500 square yard plot, would take at least a week to demolish. The demolition will take place soon,” said the Huda official, adding that more than 25 SCOs can be developed on the land.
The site presently bears an abandoned look as the structures are broken at places and bushes and shrubs have taken over the place. The compound is filled with waste and is unprotected. The plot nestles in the middle of posh localities such as Sector 23, 23-A, 21, 22, Gurgaon First condominium and Palam Vihar.
Kanda said, “We have nothing to do with the land now. We did not find it viable and decided to surrender it after paying 25% of the total cost.”
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