Telangana state which has already scripted new chapters in development across sectors has created a history in housing with the Kollur township. Asia’s largest community housing project built by the Telangana government in Kollur in Sanga Reddy district is on par with any luxury gated community. The top-notch facilities available in this township are no less than the facilities in any premium township. The dignity housing project, a brainchild of CM KCR, is now emerging as a role model for the nation in housing for the urban poor.
This township named ‘KCR Nagar’ is built with meticulous planning in a spacious area of 145.50 acres. The entire township, with 15,660 2BHK units, is divided into 117 blocks and the government has spent Rs. 1,489.29 crores for the construction of this housing project. The significant feature of this township is that only 37% of the available space is utilised for the built-up area and the rest is designated for greenery, roads, walking tracks and recreational activities. Around 6,000 workers were involved in building this township in which all the houses are Vastu compliant with enough ventilation.
Earlier, in any housing scheme, the area earmarked for a single unit would range between 237 sq. ft to 338 sq. ft. But in this township, each 2BHK house is constructed in an area of 660 sq. ft by spending Rs. 8.65 lakhs on each unit. Unlike earlier schemes, where only a 50% subsidy was provided, these 2BHK houses are provided to the poor free of cost. Including the present market rate for land in that area, each house would cost anywhere near Rs. 50 lakhs.
The township boasts modern amenities such as underground electricity cables fed by a 33/11 KV substation, a generator and two lifts in each block, 9 MLD sewage treatment plant, a 10.55 km flood canal, rainwater harvesting system, 150 LPCD drinking water for each person, and 24×7 surveillance with 138 CCTV cameras and security guards. The noteworthy aspect is the lifts used in this project are the same Schindler company lifts that are being used in Dr B.R Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat and Pragathi Bhavan.
In addition, other facilities such as a 300-bedded hospital, police station, library, community halls, ATM, petrol bunk, rythu bazar, schools, Anganwadi centre, park, cycling and walking track, open-air auditorium, bus terminal, fire station, post office, milk booth, multi-purpose ground, and solid waste management yard are present in the township. Also, 118 shops are being made available in 3 shopping complexes, the revenue generated from renting these establishments will be used for the maintenance of this housing project.
The ‘KCR Nagar’ had already won the HUDCO award as the largest community housing project with all basic facilities. With around 60,000 population and basic amenities in place, the township has the potential to become a municipality. If declared so, Kollur township will be the 33rd largest municipality in Telangana.
With a noble intention to provide the poor with a dignified house, CM KCR has indeed built a palace of sorts for the poor and ushered in a new dawn in their lives.
