Hyderabad: Telangana state government is now on a drive to take back the large tracts of leased land in the city that were given out to private parties, but have remained in their possession in violation of lease norms for years.
As per the present market rate, these lands given out on lease are valued at around Rs 600 crore. These lands are mostly located in Secunderabad area — General Bazar, Nallagutta, Boi-guda, Rashtrapati Road, SP Road, Ghansmandi, Monda Market and others.
Though these violations have been ongoing and no major action has not been taken by the district administration. The process recently got a push after directives from the Telangana state government.
With the objective of developing Hyderabad in all possible aspects, while at the same time ensuring that the land remained with the government, the Nizam government in 1930 leased out land for residential, commercial and other purposes at a very modest cost.
Before the leased out land, came under the purview of the Andhra Pradesh government in 1978, the lands were leased for 90 years and the lease had to be renewed every 30 years. Later, the renewal time period was changed to five years for residential purpose and three years for commercial purpose.
The conditions of these lands were often violated with non-payment of lease fee, non-renewal of lease, and being in possession. To deal with the issue, in 2006, the AP government made amendment to Section.17 of the 1976 Lease Rule.
Deputy Collector, Poorna Chandra said, “As per the rule, the lease needs to renewed two months prior to the due renewal and payments needs to be made in a month. Whichever lands are in violations, will be resumed by the government.”
The price for the land that is leased for residential purpose is three per cent of the current market value once in five years, and five per cent of the market value once in three years, said officials.
However, of the total 560 leased lands, over 510 have been in violation for last decade. The government is gearing up to resume these lands now.
“Of the total 510 cases of violations, we have issued showcause notices to the perpetual land holders, seeking explanations, as to why the government should not retrieve the land,” said the deputy collector, Hyderabad district administration.
“The Telangana State chief commissioner of land administration (CCLA) office will resume the lands. Nothing can be done in the case unless the state government issues special orders,” said an official with CCLA.
