Gaya, March 1: The realty boom in Bodhgaya over the past five years has brought a mixed bag of fortunes for the residents of Gaya.

On one hand, areas like Bhagalpur, Domuhan and Gaya Dobhi Road have witnessed a surge in property prices, while those falling in the core zone area have failed to attract buyers.

Dinesh Kumar Singh, the vice-chairman of Bodhgaya nagar panchayat, said: “Bodhgaya has been divided into 19 sectors called the green, clean and market areas. The area in the 500m radius of the world heritage Mahabodhi Mahavihara has been identified as the core zone and in the 1-km radius as the buffer zone.” The core zone is also known as the green zone.

The landowners in the core zone are in a dilemma because the Bodhgaya master plan restricts further construction on any existing structure. The Bodhgaya nagar panchayat has stopped passing plans for new constructions because of the master plan. Moreover, they feared evacuation.

Last week, Singh raised the plight of landowners in the core and buffer zones before the four-member Unesco World Heritage Centre (WHC) team, which came to inspect spots around the Mahabodhi Mahavihara and other places on a two-day visit. Singh demanded either the master plan be clarified or the government acquire the plots and pay proper compensation to those willing to sell off their properties. Several property owners needed money to marry off their daughters, for higher studies of their children or to treat family members but could not find any buyer. “No one wanted to invest money by buying a plot, which had an uncertain future. On the other hand, land plots outside the core and buffer zones have been selling at staggering prices,” Singh explained.

The rates have increased manifold. Prices of plots, which were available at Rs 1-5 lakh per cottah five-six years ago, are now being sold between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 20 lakh per cottah.

The Unesco team visit has come as a ray of hope for the residents, as its members have indicated that there would be no evacuation and the extent of the core and buffer zones would be redefined. Shopkeepers at Mahabodhi Shopping Complex are also breathing easy. Of 208 shops rented out in the shopping complex, around 45 are situated in front of the Mahavihara towards the northern end.

Bodhgaya nagar panchayat executive officer Sunil Kumar Mishra told The Telegraph: “Following the Unesco team visit, people are awaiting new guidelines, which would help give Bodhgaya a facelift on a par with international standards.”