Hyderabad prohibited land list may cross one crore acres
HYDERABAD: Lands under the prohibited list in the state are likely to increase sharply, with the Revenue department preparing to include around one crore acres under Section 22-A, according to discussions in official circles.
The government had sought district wise reports on prohibited lands two months ago. Based on those reports, officials believe the total extent could cross one crore acres.
The government has decided to make details of the prohibited lands available on the registration portal from December 3.
Move likely to impact real estate in Hyderabad region
Officials are weighing the possible public response if large tracts of high value land are brought under the prohibited list. Concerns have been raised that dissatisfaction and protests may follow.
Discussions indicate that prime lands in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Sangareddy and Medchal–Malkajgiri districts have largely been included in the proposed list.
With the real estate sector already witnessing a slowdown, stakeholders fear the decision could further affect transactions. Officials said daily registrations in 39 sub-registrar offices within the Outer Ring Road are likely to be hit.
Realtors said the impact would be highest in core urban and peri-urban areas witnessing rapid development.
Though the reports were submitted two months ago, the government has not yet formally announced the list. Sources said this is to avoid opposition from real estate developers and landowners.
Concerns over alleged misuse of 22-A provisions
According to official data, the state has 13.82 lakh acres of government land, 7.21 lakh acres of vacant government land, 41.74 lakh acres of forest land, 74,128 acres under the Endowments department and 45,564 acres of Waqf land. In total, around 64 lakh acres were reflected under the prohibited list earlier.
However, criticism has emerged that lands under cultivation by farmers are now being added to the prohibited list citing various reasons.
Until 2017, cases under Section 22-A accounted for less than 10% of transactions in the state. That share has now reportedly increased to 30%–40%. There are allegations that some revenue officials are using the list to pressure farmers and collect money.
It is alleged that crores of rupees are being collected in the name of issuing no-objection certificates for lands included in the prohibited list without valid grounds.
There is a demand for the government to examine district-wise data to identify how many lakh acres of non-government lands have been included under Section 22-A and to ascertain the reasons for the increase.
