After coming down upon real estate major DLF for going slow on its Rs 1000 crore Infopark project, the state owned Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) has softened its stand on the developer. Idco had previously threatened to take back land from DLF over work delay but has of late, treaded with caution considering the legal ramifications of such a step.
"DLF has replied to our showcause notice. The Infopark project is an important project for us. Any further course of action will be decided after consultation with the government. Resuming land is likely to create legal complications and we are not considering this option right now", said a top Idco official. In its response, DLF termed Idco's notice 'wrongful and illegal';. "We state that Section 34 of Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (OIIDC) Act 1981 is not applicable to the present case and accordingly, invocation of the said provision by you is illegal and without jurisdiction", DLF said in its reply to Idco notice. Idco in May this year, had warned of stringent action against DLF for keeping a large chunk of land idle meant for developing its Rs 1000-crore Infopark project. Of the 54 acres allotted for the project, only seven acres have been utilised till date.
Stating the project requires phased development, DLF pointed out that first high rise, a 12-storied building with over 550,000 sq ft office space, is virtually complete. It had entered into agreement for nearly 300 units with reputed companies and the process of handing over of space is on. The private developer has flayed Idco for its failure in the latter's commitment to facilitate all approvals which has led to delayed construction.
