Prayagraj: To make land transactions more transparent and convenient, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) has introduced its first online land auction system. The new digital platform allows builders and investors from across India and overseas to take part in auctions without visiting the PDA office in person.Until now, the authority did not have an online auction facility, forcing interested buyers and developers to repeatedly visit the office for information and participation. Under the new arrangement, applicants can register themselves through the official portal, pdaprayagraj.org, and complete the required formalities online.“Plots located in Kalindipuram, Parimal, Kasari-Masari, Naini and other PDA project areas have already been uploaded on the portal,” said PDA vice-chairman Rishiraj.Officials said interested buyers can register online and even conduct site visits before participating in the bidding process. The portal for bidding will formally open on June 22. According to PDA officials, land parcels worth nearly Rs 300 crore have been listed on the platform. The authority plans to promote both commercial buildings and residential group housing projects through the auction process.Authorities believe the move will not only increase transparency in land allocation but also attract larger investments into the city’s real estate sector. The online system is also expected to reduce paperwork and eliminate delays associated with conventional auction methods.Meanwhile, in another development, authorities are preparing to take action against illegal encroachments on defence land in Prayagraj, Ayodhya and Mirzapur. The Defence Estate Office has identified encroachers occupying military land in all three districts and has sought permission from higher authorities for eviction drives.According to the survey report, over 100 people have illegally occupied nearly three acres of land in the New Cantonment area of Prayagraj. In Mirzapur, cultivation is reportedly being carried out on nearly 100 acres of a 400-acre airstrip land, while some constructions have also come up there. In Ayodhya, around 252 families have allegedly constructed houses on defence land at Guptar Ghat, Ayodhya Cantonment, Nirmali Kund and Miran Ghat areas. Reports regarding the encroachments have been sent to headquarters since most constructions are more than 20 years old. Eviction action will begin after official approval is received.
