AP To Legalise Unauthorised Constructions Since 1985

Vijayawada:The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an order styled as Building Penalisation Scheme–2025, which would offer property owners a final chance to regularise their unauthorised constructions and plan deviations.

The order, GO-Ms-225 of the municipal administration and urban development department, is applicable to the constructions done between January 1, 1985 and August 31, 2025.

The new scheme, initiated by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, would bring unapproved buildings across urban and semi-urban areas within the legal framework.

This, officials said, is part of the state’s ongoing drive for planned urban growth, citizen accountability and transparent development governance. The previous initiative, 2019 BPS, had limited participation, leaving thousands of constructions unregulated.

“Strict enforcement will follow hereafter, and unauthorised constructions will not be allowed,” stated principal secretary Suresh Kumar.

He said local bodies would be held accountable for delays. Revenue from the scheme would be utilised exclusively for urban renewal projects, including drainage, flood mitigation, waste clearance, roads and recreation facilities.

The government urged all property owners to register under BPS-2025 immediately to avoid legal action once the deadline ends.

Kumar said the government has taken a “pragmatic yet firm” decision to promote responsible urbanisation. He mentioned that around 59,041 cases of unauthorised buildings were identified on the UCIMS portal as on August 31 this year.

Representations from real estate bodies, CREDAI, NAREDCO and CLESA prompted the government to reintroduce an improved scheme as a one-time, final window.

Under BPS-2025, applicants can regularise structures in municipal corporations, municipalities, nagar panchayats and gram panchayats falling under urban development authorities, including APCRDA, VMRDA, VK-PCPIR UDA and IALAs. However, this window would not be open to buildings in the capital city area of the APCRDA.

Applications must be submitted online through www.bps.ap.gov.in within 120 days from the date of notification, along with proof of ownership, drawings, photographs, stability certificate and required No-Objection Certificates.

Charges: Each application requires an initial payment of Rs 10,000. Penalisation charges will range from Rs 40 to Rs 400 per sq-ft, varying by category, deviation and usage. Separate rates apply for apartments and unauthorised floors.

Concessions include 25 per cent for pre-1997 constructions and 50 per cent for residential buildings in notified slums. Unauthorised buildings on public land, environmentally restricted zones, or with disputed ownership will not be considered.

Any new construction after August 31, 2025, will face demolition and criminal prosecution, Suresh Kumar added.